Robert was born in Longview, Texas and resided there for six years until the family relocated to California.
As a young person, he made a profession of Christian faith, and was baptized under the leadership of Rev. Devine. Later in life, he experienced confirmation of his faith and recommitted himself to Christ.
Robert grew up in a large, loving home and was known to have a kind heart. His brother, Teddy, recalled that he would always have money. Teddy would ask him, “Where did you get that money”? Robert would reply, “From daddy, all you have to do is ask”. Teddy remembered that every time Robert had money, he would always share it with him. His sister, Dorothy, was reminded of a time when she asked him to get her some sweet potatoes. He informed her he didn’t have a way and she knew he wasn’t feeling good, but lo and behold, he got a friend to take him all the way to Turlock to get the sweet potatoes and brought them to her. Robert truly had a caring heart.
Once the family settled in Dos Palos, CA, he started his public-school education. During his high school years, he played multiple sports, such as basketball, football, and baseball. Robert was naturally athletic and competitive. He excelled in many sports. In 1962, he had the longest punt return of 85 yards which to this day has not been broken and in baseball he was known as a long ball hitter. On June 20, 2014, he was inducted into the Dos Palos Hall of Fame. After his high school graduation, he attended Merced College. While in college, he was drafted into the army. Robert served two years in the armed forces and completed a 13-month tour in Vietnam.
In 1968, Robert became a well-known truck driver and drove faithfully for over 46 years before retiring. Robert also had civic pride and served for over 30 years as a loyal member of the Dos Palos Lion’s Club where he would cook for community events as well as raise money for student scholarships. During his membership, Robert developed a strong bond with his fellow Lion Brothers and consider them as family.
In 1972, he married the love of his life, Ms. Vella Mae Hall, whom he had dated since the age of 15 years old. To this union, they were blessed with five sons. Robert and Vella Mae remained in Dos Palos, where they built a loving home, worked hard, and raised their sons.
Robert utilized his time painting murals, fishing, spending time with his family, and grandchildren. He truly loved his grandchildren.
Robert is preceded in death by his father JT Ingram, mother Madgie Ingram, brothers Falvey Ingram, Roger Ingram, Jesse Ingram, and Obie Ingram, sister Linda Ingram, grandson Khyrei Currie, mother-in-law Ler Dean Brown, and father-in-law Hurie Brown.
Robert passed away on Friday, September 1st,2023 at the age of 76. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 51 years, Vella Ingram of Dos Palos, CA, six sons Kevin Ingram (Tabitha) of Las Vegas, NV, Robert Pierce (Martha) of Merced, CA, Robert Ingram of Dos Palos, CA, Eric Ingram (Maritza) of Fresno, CA, Stacey Ingram of Dos Palos, CA, and Daryl Ingram of San Jose, CA; 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; his siblings Helen Patton of Fresno, CA, JT Ingram of Modesto, CA, Dorothy Ingram of Fresno, CA, and Wayne Ingram (JoAnn) of Midland, TX; nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Robert will be missed and remembered by many. We will always love and miss you until we can meet again.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 15, 2023 at 10:00am at Mount Moriah First Baptist Church, 21372 Reynolds Ave., Dos Palos, CA.
Graveside Service with honors will follow at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA. at 2:00pm.
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