William Neil Ingram

William Neil Ingram went to be with his Lord on June 13, 2014 at 95 years of age. He was born September 23, 1918 in Colfax, Illinois, to William Herman Ingram and Byrda Garner Ingram. When he was about two years old, the family moved to his father’s hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina. He attended public school and graduated from Greensboro High School in 1936. Raised on a farm during the Depression, he was a hard worker. He attended Muirs Chapel United Methodist Church, and was a founder of the men’s Bible class in 1939. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was the nose gunner on a B-24J Liberator. He deployed to North Africa. He mustered out in 1946. On a troop train along the East Coast during the war, he met Rhoda Louise Anderson, and began corresponding with her. They kept writing to each other, and married on August 23, 1947 in Miami, Florida. The family moved in 1954 to Fairfield, Connecticut. Bill worked in home construction for several years. He earned two Bachelor’s degrees and a Master’s degree, and went into education, teaching in high schools in Wilton, Stratford and Stamford for a total of 21 years. He was a deacon, and later an elder, at Black Rock Congregational Church. After retiring, he and Rhoda moved to Greensboro in about 1985. He was once again active at Muirs Chapel. Rhoda went to be with the Lord in 2007; they had been married for 59 years. In 2009, Bill moved to Lacey, Washington. He loved his wife and his family. He loved God, served others through his church, and gave generously of his time and skills. He loved old cars, anything mechanical, telling jokes and making quips, and making others feel comfortable and welcome. He was a friend to everyone he met. He is survived by three sisters, Reva I. Fortune, C. Lucille (Charles) Pauquette and Jewell B. Ingram, all of Greensboro; his three sons, J. D. (Karen) Ingram of Lacey, Philip W. (Debi) Ingram of Stockton, California, and Thomas C. Ingram of Keene, New Hampshire; seven grandchildren; six nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Laura L. Ingram, June (Gabriel) Bezera and Judith (Frederick) Bohrer; and his wife, Rhoda. Memorial donations may be made to Muirs Chapel United Methodist Church., 314 Muirs Chapel Road, Greensboro, NC 27410. Please leave memories of Bill or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.