Ira Lee Levan

Ira Lee Levan, 88, of Troutman and recently a resident of Autumn Care in Statesville, died Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Iredell Memorial Hospital following a long battle with Parkinson and congestive heart failure.



He was born at his home in Iredell County, delivered by Dr. Crouch, on November 20, 1929 and was the son of the late Ralph Wayne Levan and Stella Mae Martin Levan.



Baptized 8/23/1942 into membership of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, remembers many, many trips walking across the fields from their home to attend church, recalling many very pleasant memories. He would always lend a helping hand to younger members of the family. having had both arms broken three time each due to soft bones and having to take Cod Liver Oil, he hated fish and the fish smell. With broken bones likely, he was unable to participate in any playtime or rough housing with his brothers. He was a very helpful little boy and was given a handmade windmill from one of his teachers, which he treasured.



Ira Lee moved to Statesville in 1947, became a dedicated employee (November 13, 1947 - 1984) of Statesville Chair Company for 37 years as an upholsterer. Upon his disability retirement due to back problems, Gordon Scott wrote a letter praising Ira Lee's dedication and appreciation.



Statesville Record & Landmark (Statesville Chair Co) salutes Ira Lee Levan for 28 years of service at that time: "My work at Statesville Chair Company is a special one and it is for skilled and experienced person. It involves detailed work that goes into homes near and far. When I upholster a chair, I want it to be one that, regardless of home or business where I fine it, I would always be proud to say, ‘I upholstered that chair.' I enjoy my work and being with fellow employees at Statesville Chair."



On June 4, 1961 he married Sybil Reavis Levan and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage until his death.



Ira Lee enjoyed wildlife, was a member of the local Iredell, Yadkin, Catawba, Cabarrus and Mecklenburg Beagle Clubs for many years, attending field trails and winning trophies at the beagle shows. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, judging field trials, running beagles, and took extra pride in his yard as he helped beautify God's world with beautiful flowers. After suffering with back problems, he began to raise and show Rat Terriers.



In addition to his parents, Ira Lee was preceded in death by six brothers, "Little Tom" Levan, Rev. John Wayne Levan, Robert Craig Levan, Wade Cecile Levan, Troy Dallas Levan, and Halbert Franklin Levan along with two sisters, Virginia Lucille Levan Brittain, and Betty Jean Levan Johnson.



Along with his wife Sybil, he is survived by one daughter, Patricia Anne Levan and two brothers, Raymond Clifford Levan and Parks Lloyd "Buddy" Levan, all of Statesville.



Funeral services honoring the life of Ira Lee Levan will be conducted at 2:00 PM Thursday, September 20, 2018 in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Carl Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 until 2:00 PM at Nicholson Funeral Home. Active pallbearers will be Mike Wright, Brian Wright, Mike Levan, Raymond Levan, Doy Levan and Tony Brittain. Honorary will be Antelmo Estrada and Atwell Brown.



Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or the St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN. 38105. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Ira Lee Levan.



The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff and personnel of Autumn Care and Dr. Fouchee for their loving care of Ira Lee.



Donations may be made to:

Hospice & Palliative Care Of Iredell County2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville NC 28677Web: https://www.hoic.org/donate_form.aspSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105