Troy Lester Bivens, 75, of Athens, died Thursday, April 5, 2012, at his residence. A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was a son of the late Hird Andrew and Ella Mae Bivens. He was preceded in death by one son, Michael Bivens; two brothers, Hird Andrew Bivens Jr. and Dennis Bivens; and one sister, Jacqueline Hamilton. Survivors include his wife, Judy Bivens of Athens; one daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Mark Collins of Lenoir City; stepchildren and their spouses, Tommy and Bobbie Jean Rinehart and Ben Runyan and Kathy Bowers, all of Decatur, and Shane and Amber Runyan and Stacy Runyan, all of Athens; five grandchildren and one spouse, Jason and Kara Collins and Amanda Collins, all of Lenoir City, Chelsea Bivens of Chattanooga, and Elizabeth Runyan and Shayna Runyan, all of Athens; four great-grandchildren, Emma Palmer, Anna-Lynn Vann, Olivia Vann and Cionna Bivens; one sister, Lavellda Davis of Cleveland; one brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Judy Bivens of Delano; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date. There will be no formal visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with medical expenses.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah is in charge of arrangements.