Alfred Bruce Ingram

Alfred Bruce Ingram Jr. passed away on March 13, 2022, in Tomball, Texas at the age of 79. After several months of declining health, Bruce died peacefully with his beloved wife Donna and their children, Bruce ‘Trey’ and Deborah, by his side.

Bruce was born on February 15, 1943, in Houston, Texas to A. B Ingram Sr. and Mary Ann Ingram. He graduated from Reagan High School in Houston, Texas in 1961. He met Donna Howard on a blind date in 1961 and they married on March 23, 1963. Together they had 2 children, Bruce “Trey” and Deborah.

Upon graduation from high school, he went to work at the family business, Magneto and Diesel Injector Service, which later became M & D Distributors. In 1990, Bruce acquired the company and continued to grow the business with his son, Trey, until Bruce retired in 2010. Though he was respected among industry peers as an astute businessman, Bruce took pride in the fact that he learned the trade as a diesel mechanic and that passion stayed with him throughout his career. He recognized the importance of re-investing in one’s business in order to grow a business. Not only from a financial standpoint, but more importantly, investing in his co-workers through professional and personal development. This high-touch approach created a strong bond between Bruce and his co-workers; Bruce loved his co-workers at M&D and they loved him.

Outside of work, Bruce was an avid hunter. He traveled with his son-in-law, Greg Simons, on various hunts around the country. But his deepest hunting passion was pursuing free-ranging white-tailed deer. For over 40 years he made many annual treks to Webb County in South Texas. He immensely loved spending time at his deer lease on the Caliche Ranch where he spent many hours prepping, feeding, and planning for the next season to hunt that elusive big buck. Even more than the hunt itself, he found great pleasure in being able to use the deer lease as a place to build memories with his grandkids, other family members, and friends. Bruce was committed to being a good steward of his deer lease, which was consistent with so many other things in life that he invested his time.

Bruce was a family man through and through. He was involved with Trey’s and Deborah’s sports-related activities during their childhood years, serving as a coach, cheerleader, and proud Dad during their formative days. Equally, Bruce placed much emphasis on instilling in his children the basic human life skills that help develop successful, responsible adults and he was visibly proud of Trey’s and Deborah’s achievements. That familial love and investment also carried forward to his grandkids and he loved bragging on each of them. Bruce found great pleasure in spoiling his kids and grandkids with his generosity; it was part of his way of telling them how much he loved them, and his way of wanting to make sure that they were able to enjoy themselves.

The love of Bruce’s life was Donna. For over 60 years she was his partner in life. Over the years they created many fond memories together. Whether it was attending the Rattlesnake Round-Up in Freer, a trip across the border for a good meal with friends, trying their luck on the tables at Coushatta or Vegas, or attending business conferences together, they enjoyed many great times as a husband/wife team. In recent years, as their travels together slowed, they still enjoyed spending time watching the Astros from the comforts of their home. Bruce and Donna were partners in life.

Bruce’s qualities and virtues were broad. Terms such as kind, fair, generous, engaging, loyal, honest, committed, attentive, and punctual are but a fraction of the admirable traits that Bruce possessed. It was traits like these that made Bruce an easy person to like and befriend. Bruce valued his friendships in all walks of life, regardless of race, gender, or social status. Over the years he loved his interaction with his friends and acquaintances, whether that was at work, at Shorty’s, the Solis’ restaurant, Freer Deer Camp, Texas Wildlife Association Convention, or elsewhere. If a person’s impression on the world can be measured by the number of friends a person made during their lifetime, then Bruce’s fingerprint across the landscape stretches far and wide.

Through his family, friends, and others, Bruce leaves behind an indelible mark that will carry on. And because of his lifetime of amazing “work,” Bruce’s legacy will be forever lasting.

He is survived by his wife, Donna of Spring, Texas, son, Bruce “Trey” Ingram and wife Tina of Montgomery, Texas, daughter Deborah Simons and husband Greg of San Angelo, Texas. Grandchildren Tyler Simons and wife Cathleen of Montgomery, Texas, Erin Simons of Pflugerville, Texas, Abby Ingram of Montgomery, Texas, and Drew Ingram of Montgomery, Texas. He is also survived by his sister Betty Jordan of San Antonio and brother Bobby Ingram and wife Jeannell of Houston, Texas and several nieces and nephews. Bruce is predeceased by his parents.

The family would like to thank Barbara and Josephine with Synergy Homecare for the wonderful care they provided for Bruce.

People wishing to honor Bruce’s life can make donations to Texas Wildlife Association Foundation, 6644 FM 1102, New Braunfels, Texas 78132 or online at https://twafoundation.org or the non-profit of your choice.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.