He was born to the late ‘Hank’ Ingram and Margaret Bellinger Ingram on September 29, 1929 in Memphis, Tennessee. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his oldest son, Daniel Ingram; he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Henry Ingram, Howard Ingram, and sister Margaret Anne Watkins.
Charles is survived by his wife of 69 years and 97 days, Dorothy Ingram, and children Tim Ingram (Hope), Cynthia Dunn, Scott Ingram (Monica), and Christy Eason (Les); 14 grandchildren: Justin Ingram, Jade Davis, Jasmine Dunn, Timothy Ingram, Tyler Ingram, Matthew Dunn, Victoria Dunn, Joshua Ingram, Josi Krivsky, Jana Smigielski, Taylor Eason, Halleli Eason, Nikki Rogers, and Tristen Eason, along with 12 great-grandchildren.
To say that Dr. Ingram lived a full life, as well as a healthy one, is an understatement. Besides his birth and death at a hospital, he never spent another minute in one until the last two weeks of his life. He was a proud native Memphian, graduating from Southside High. He served in the Navy during the Korean War, returning home on leave to marry his sweetheart, Dorothy Wingo. While raising his family and working full-time, he also graduated from both Memphis State and Southern College of Optometry; he then opened his private optometric practice, and later was the founder of 2001 Vision Center.
His public and philanthropic dealings were of note as well. Publicly, he was a member of both the Optimist and Lions Clubs, involved in both groups charitable activities. He was personally a generous man as well, giving to many causes; he did it privately, though, because it wasn’t about the credit for him as much as helping others!
Dr. Ingram, as well as most of his family, was a life-long, True Blue Tiger fan! For many decades, he was a season ticket holder for both football and basketball, so much so that both his 50th and 60th wedding anniversary celebrations were held in a skybox and Tiger Lane, respectively. Charles Ingram was a man who loved to sing, dance, and be active. A member of Central Church since 1977, he was an active choir member for 29 years, and later enjoyed being a greeter. He and his wife Dorothy were also a regular part of the area’s senior dance club for a long time. He played fast-pitch softball for decades, striking out men 25 years his junior with his patented ‘riseball’; he also enjoyed horses,both in riding and in rodeos. Cruising was one of his favorite pastimes in later years, with both his wife and sometimes their family.
What could be said about the measure of any man’s life, about the things that really matter? That answer may be subjective, but by most men’s views, it is certain that Dr. Charles P. Ingram lived a complete one, departing this world without regret and with a legacy of excellence and love; he walked through those pearly gates to the words “well done, good and faithful servant”, embracing his eldest son and others waiting for him.
Services will be held on Saturday, January 21st, at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd., Bartlett; visitation will be from 1pm to 2pm, with the main service at 2pm, and graveside ceremony following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Church, 2005 Winchester Blvd., Collierville TN., or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
