Richard Kelly “Rick” Ingram, 81, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2023, after a brief illness. Rick was born the eldest of three children to Thomas Gordon and Sue Doris Ingram of Sheffield, AL and lived his entire life in the town of his birth. He attended Sheffield High School where he met and eventually married his high school sweetheart, best friend and loving wife of 58 years, Sheila, before graduating from Florence State University (UNA). Together they raised 3 children, Kellie, Michael, and Missy, whom he loved dearly and for whom he worked hard to ensure they were able to follow their dreams.
Rick taught junior high school before transitioning to real estate in which he worked for 55 years, many of them spent serving on the Real Estate Appraisers Board. His free time was given often to the service of others both through his church, First Baptist, Sheffield, as well as in the community where he was active in Little League and Boy Scouts. His family remembers him as a generous man who lived his faith daily, was quick to volunteer, to offer help, and to put others ahead of himself.
Rick adored his granddaughters, Hannah and Grace Anne, and found so much joy in being their “Granddaddy” and in encouraging them to grow into the outstanding and independent Christian young women they are today. He also enjoyed teasing them; and the family remembers his booming voice and big smiles every time the girls came around. Rick used that booming voice in his other favorite pastimes – cheering Alabama football and Braves baseball to their many victories, and in his daily playful banter with his garrulous terrier, Trip. No one teased, cheered, or “bantered” with quite as much vigor and volume as Rick, and it is in the silences that his family will feel his absence the most.
Rick’s favorite hymn concludes “And some sweet day I’ll sing up there, the song of victory.” His family finds both comfort and amusement in knowing that heaven just got a little louder now that Rick is there.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, dear sisters, Mary Ellen Rhoden and Janice Rader, by his beloved mother-in-law, Etta Ruth “Mimmie” Mullendore and by his very special brother-in-law, Jim Cofer. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Mullendore Ingram, his children Kellie Ingram (Mark Wert), Michael Ingram (Deana), Missy Ingram Barnes (Matt), his precious granddaughters, Hannah Kathryn and Grace Anne Ingram, beloved in-laws, Sisty Cofer and family to whom he was known as “Candyman,” Sandi and Alex Nelson and family, special niece, Cyndee Oliver and family, his “spirited” Aunt Irene, several cousins, and ever-faithful Trip.
Rick loved deeply; he was deeply loved; and he will be greatly missed.
A family service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Wounded Warriors.
