Lamarse Howard "Cotton" Ivy (May 15, 1930May 25, 2021) was an American author, educator, entertainer, and politician who served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 63rd district from 1985 to 1989, as a member of the Democratic Party. Following his tenure in the state house he served as the Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture from 1989 to 1995. Ivy was born in Decaturville, Tennessee, and educated at Decaturville High School and the University of Tennessee. He briefly worked as a teacher for two years before becoming an entertainer. During his entertainment career he recorded four albums, joined the Country Music Association, and appeared on Hee Haw. He entered politics in the 1980s with his election to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1984. During his tenure in the state house he attempted to become Speaker of the House and Assistant Majority Leader. In 1989, Governor Ned McWherter appointed him as the Commissioner of Agriculture, a position in which he served until 1995. He died in 2021. Early life Lamarse Howard Ivy was born in Decaturville, Tennessee, on May 15, 1930, to Howard Ivy. He was given the nickname Cotton due to his premature white hair. Ivy graduated from Decaturville High School and the University of Tennessee with a degree in agriculture education. He served in the United States Air Force. He married Patricia Lou Joyner, with whom he had four children, on October 26, 1949, in Corinth, Mississippi. Ivy worked as a teacher for two years in the 1950s. He was given the National 4-H Club Alumnus Award in 1986. Career Entertainment Ivy made four albums with the booking agency Top Billing and was a member of the Country Music Association. During his entertainment career he appeared on Hee Haw. While serving in the state legislature Ivy sponsored a resolution, which was presented by Governor Ned McWherter, alongside Representative John S. Tanner to honor Tandy Clinton Rice Jr. for his contributions to Nashville, entertainment, and the United Cerebral Palsy of Tennessee. Tennessee House of Representatives Ivy ran for a seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 63rd district with the Democratic nomination and defeated Republican nominee G. L. Teague, who had served in the state house in the 1970s. He won reelection in 1986. Ivy announced that he would not seek reelection in the 1988 election and was succeeded by Republican Steve McDaniel. Ivy was appointed to