Thomas Lasalle "Sal" Ivy

Thomas Lasalle Ivy, affectionately known as “Sal,” was born on July 13, 1972, in Oxford Mississippi to Lena Mae (Ivy) Echoles and Tommy Dean Jones. At the age of 53 years old Sal transitioned unexpectedly on September 22, 2025, at All Saints Ascension Hospital in Racine, Wisconsin. Though his time here feels far too short, Sal filled every year of his life with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

A proud graduate of Case High School, Class of 1991, Sal was a gifted athlete, playing basketball in Racine earning attributes of Player of the Week and Month, and excelling in football during his time in Saginaw, Michigan. Sal earned his Class A CDL—a license he carried with the kind of pride only a truck driver could understand, often flashing it with joy. He trained in Utah before beginning his trucking career, later pursuing studies at Gateway Technical College in hopes of becoming a CNC machine operator.

Sal was more than his work; he was the life of every family gathering. Known as a barbecue master, storyteller, and devoted sports fan, he had a way of making every occasion brighter. He loved cooking, laughing, traveling and especially spoiling his wife with weekend trips to The Dollar Tree, sometimes visiting four or five stores in a single day with a smile.

If you knew Sal, you likely heard him begin with, “Hey, listen to this…” before delivering one of his legendary lectures. Whether you learned something new or simply laughed along, he made every moment memorable. His faith in the Lord was unwavering, and he lived his life with joy, humor, and generosity.

Sal’s legacy lives on in his devoted, loving wife and high school sweetheart, Thea Ivy; his children, Thomasha Ivy-Patterson, Tarina Ivy, Devonte Anderson, and Christopher (Siarra) Booker; and his bonus son, Coretrelle Patterson. He was a proud grandfather to Tristan Houston, Cali Martin, Christopher Booker Jr., Ava Booker, and Jahsiah Booker.

He is also survived by his siblings: Artisa Jones, Tralon (Shaneka) Jones, Dontae Jones, Lakeena Echoles, and Jaquay Echoles; his bonus-siblings Artis Echoles, Sandra Echoles, Cynthia Echoles, Daniel Echoles, Delon Echoles, Elizabeth Echoles, Keisha Echoles, Tonya Hall, and Jasmine Wilson; his special cousin Stephan Williams; best friends Ralph Austin and Paris Cotton; Godchildren Jauquita Malone, Pierre Cotton and Solea Upendo; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will continue to carry his love and laughter forward.

Sal was preceded in death by his mother, Lena Mae (Ivy) Echoles; his bonus-father, Artis Echoles; and his father, Tommy Jones. He is lovingly survived by his bonus-mother, Dorothy Jones.

Though his earthly journey has ended, the laughter, love, and lessons he shared will echo for generations. In his honor, share a story, laugh a little louder, or fire up the grill—just as he would have wanted.

Funeral services celebrating Sal’s life will be held at 4:00 pm, at the funeral home, Thursday, October 2, 2025. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for Visitation, Thursday at 3:00 pm until time of service.