Ivan Ray Whitehead

Ivan Ray Whitehead, age 79 of Maryville, died peacefully peacefully Saturday, June 3, 2023 from natural causes with his wife of 55 years, Karen, by his side.

Born on October 27, 1943, in Blount County, he was the second of six children from Mauda and Victor Whitehead. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, mother-in-law, Viola, two brothers, Vernon and Gene and Gene’s wife Elaine, and brother-in-law, Jim Webb. He is survived by his wife, Karen, two sons, Kevin and Geoffrey and Geoffrey’s wife Kari, his grandchildren, Austin and Addison, and one great grandson, Zaylon. He is also survived by his siblings, Wendell and wife Brenda, David and wife Judy, Betty Jo and husband David, and Bob and his wife Cheryl. Also grieving Ivan’s passing are his sister-in-law Vivian and husband George, and his brother-in-law John and his wife, Lisa; sister-in-law, Rosemary Whitehead. There is also an extensive list of nieces and nephews that will miss Ivan greatly.

Ivan grew up in the Carpenter’s area and attended school at Carpenter’s Elementary and Everette High School, class of 1961. He then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee.

Ivan had a distinguished career as an engineer. He spent nearly 40 years at Robertshaw Controls and later started a successful manufacturing business of his own, Keystone Manufacturing & Engineering. His time at Robertshaw and Keystone had an impact on scores of people who will forever be grateful to have called Ivan a coworker and friend.

Ivan was a lifelong resident of Blount County and loved the area and people here like family. He had a heart of gold and touched many lives in this area. His legacy will continue to live on in the lives he touched and the family that loved him tremendously. He will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace.

Friends may pay their respects from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Dotson Memorial Baptist Church. Funeral Service will be at 1:00 PM with Rev. Sean Wentley officiating. Interment to follow at Morganton Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com