Benjamin Mason Ingram III age 96 of Florence passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. Visitation will be Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church of Florence. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 3:00 P.M. in the church. Elkins Funeral Home of Florence is in charge of arrangements.
He is predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Margaret Beesley Ingram, father, Benjamin Mason Ingram, mother, Ruth Peerson Ingram, brother, James Peerson Ingram and son-in-law, Richard Lance Gist.
Mason Ingram was a descendant of some of the first settlers in Lauderdale County, with grandparents ranging from the Ingram/Elgin Crossroads to the Oakland area. He grew up in Florence where he began his education at Kilby Training School, continuing on toAppleby School and then Coffee High School. Afterwards, he attended college at Georgia Institute of Technology where he graduated in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. After serving in World War II, he returned toFlorence and joined the family farm and cotton gin business with his father. Through the years, the business evolved from the cotton gin to outdoor power equipment to the present day patio furniture store. He coined the phrase “I’ll trade with you on EeeeeZ Terms” and continued to be recognized and greeted by people today for that motto.
He was an enthusiastic member of all he participated in throughout his life. As a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Florence, he loyally attended the Men’s Bible Class, served on the Administrative Board, and assisted in various capacities through the years. He was a proud member of the Florence Exchange Club, serving as President in 1968, and was honored to be placed in their Book of Golden Deeds in 2015. He exemplified the term “lifelong learner” as he continued his love for wood working and attended art classes at the University of North Alabama. He exercised several times per week at the YMCA which kept him an active part of the community. He was even driving his car until his final days. He never met a stranger and loved everyone he met, happily sharing stories of his childhood and the history of the Shoals area.
He is survived by his two daughters, Patricia “Trish” Gist and Rebecca (Preuit) Mauldin; granddaughters, Chapel Gist (Phillip) King, Ruth Mason Mauldin, and Anne Ingram Mauldin; and great grandchildren, Peyton Mason King, Preston Robert King, and Britton Grace King.
Honorary pallbearers are: Andy Betterton, Steve Chenault, Gary Jester, Phillip S. King, Edward Fennel Mauldin, Jr., Leonard Preuit Mauldin, Macke Buchanan Mauldin, William Powell, Dr. Roy Stevens, and the members of the Florence Exchange Club.
Per his wishes, the family asks that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church of Florence Building Fund, the Help Center, or The Children’s Museum of the Shoals.
Elkins Funeral Home of Florence would like to invite you to leave condolences online at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com
