David "Gene" Ingram, 82, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.
Gene was born on September 16, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended high school at South Side High before moving to Ohio when his father was relocated with Ford Motor Company.

After graduating high school, he followed in his father's footsteps and went to work at the Ford plant. In the mid 1960s, he joined the Army and was sent to the South Pacific. His top secret mission occupied his days, but his nights were reserved for absorbing the local culture, which included learning to dance in his very own, handmade grass skirt. He also spent time attending to the island's medical needs, as he had the most medical supplies in his Army issued kit.

When Gene left the Army, he returned to Ohio and rejoined his family, before packing up and moving back home to Memphis.
He met his first wife, Sherry and they had their baby girl, Heather in 1968. After they divorced, he met his second wife, Donna. In 1981, while living in Texas, he had his second baby girl, Tara. After several more moves and one more divorce, Gene and his two daughters moved back to Memphis where they have been ever since.

During his life, Gene became an avid lover of history, participating in Civil War reenactments, World War II parades, and Pioneer Days. His most favorite experience, is undeniably, participating in the tv mini series North and South, where he met one of his favorite actors, Patrick Swazye. He proudly carried the picture of the two of them next to his family pictures in his wallet.

Gene was also an avid reader of history. He loved not only reading about the Civil War, his favorite being local author, Shelby Foote, and World War II, he also loved studying ancient Egypt.

Gene spent a lifetime listening to the music of Elvis, who is a relative by marriage, of course. Everyone who knew Gene has heard his stories of spending time with Elvis in his younger days.

Gene loved working with his hands. Whether it was tending to his tomatoes, fixing up antique vehicles, or building his daughters any piece of furniture in their wildest imaginations, he was always up for a challenge.

Gene's lifetime of adventures led to many great stories. He loved to tell a story to anyone who would listen, especially his grandchildren.

Gene was an inspiration to his daughters, raising two girls as a single father. He taught them they could do anything they put their minds to and instilled in them the confidence to do so.

Gene's legacy lives on in the stories he told, the wisdom he shared, and the fierce love he shared for his family.

He is survived by his daughters, Heather and Tara (Alan); his grandchildren, Scott (Oli), Lexie, and Gracie; his sister, Shelia, and nieces, Jennifer (Patrick), Christy (Jason), and Kim, as well several great grand nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Details will be finalized at a later date and posted on Facebook. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice.