Billy "Ivan" Secrest

Billy “Ivan” Secrest 86, of Monroe, NC went into the loving arms of Jesus on Friday, June 2, 2023. He was born in Union County on January 12, 1937, son to the late Billy Neal Secrest and Hazel Price Secrest Connell. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 39 years Mrs. Rachel Baucom Secrest, brother Tommy Neal Secrest (wife Ruth Kindley Secrest), and sister Lou Ellen Secrest Younts.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 2301 N. Rocky River Road, Monroe, NC 28110 with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 PM until 2:45 PM in the church.

Ivan is survived by his only daughter Rhesa Secrest Phillips, husband Eric, brother Lanny Secrest (Jamie), brothers-in-law, Richard Younts; Dolan Baucom (Lucille); Richard Baucom (Joanne).

After Ivan graduated from high school, he worked at Armour Meat Packaging Company in Charlotte. Shortly after, he started his first trade in 1959 when he started Ivan Secrest Grocery, at the corner of Rocky River Road and Secrest Short Cut Road. A few years into the grocery business Ivan found himself interested in the wrecker business and went on to purchase his first wrecker in 1961. Ivan and his first wife Frances Younts Secrest Alexander ran the business. Ivan soon found out where his passion lied. He truly loved the wrecker business. He went onto own and operating the largest wrecker and crane service in the southeast. Anytime you found yourself in need of his services he and his men were always ready and willing to help thus come his slogan for over 65 years “No ditch to deep, no hill to steep”.

Ivan also served in the National Guard for several years and made many lifelong friends. Ivan was a lifetime member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon, he committed himself to numerous committees and Sunday School Class. Ivan loved the Lord and Lived for him.

Where Ivan started his business, and it still is today, Union County honored him when they officially named the intersection of Rocky River Road and Secrest Short Cut Road “Ivan’s Corner”. Ivan didn’t hunt or fish but greatly enjoyed his John Deere Tractors collection. He loved talking tractor. I would say Ivan’s Legacy he leaves behind is a good name. Proverbs 22:1 choose a good reputation over great riches, and loving favor more than silver and gold.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to Shiloh Baptist Church, 2301 N. Rocky River Road, Monroe, NC 28110.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Secrest Family.