Celebrating the life of
John Sheppard Ingram
April 05, 1924 - June 14, 2017
John Sheppard Ingram, born April 5, 1924 passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Hospice Savannah, Inc. He was born in Savannah, son of Pansy Eugenia Ike Ingram and John Sanford Ingram. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth “Bettye” Steinbeck Ingram who passed away April 1, 2012.
John played city league baseball in high school, and was on the Rifle Team at Savannah High School. He soloed to obtain a pilot’s license at 17 years old and joined the 7th Air Force, trained as a tail gunner B24 Bomber, then sent to the Pacific Islands, just after marrying Bettye. On returning from duty he completed his high school education and attended Armstrong College (ASU). He worked at Union Camp Corp, (now International Paper), became a Master Machinist with 43 years of service. He was a member of the 165th Air National Guard, and served during the Korean Conflict. He returned to Union Camp. Upon retirement, he worked at Roebling Road Raceway until illness overcame him in March 2017.
After returning from the Pacific Theater, he designed and hand built an outboard racing hydroplane and runabout, earning enough points to go to the APBA Nationals three consecutive years.
When his sons reached Little League Baseball age, he then managed, coached in that league and the pony league. Also played in Savannah River League after playing for Union Camp.
When his sons reached high school age, they and he road raced motorcycles, then formula sports cars.
John served on the Board of Buccaneer Region, Sports Car Club of America for 16 years and was the oldest active National Starter in that club.
He was a former member of Laural View Hunting Club in Midway, American Legion Post 36 in Thunderbolt, Larry’s Lunch Club, International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers, District Lodge No. 96 and Forest City Lodge No. 2. A member of First Christian Church in Savannah, Jolly Hearts Group and the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Mr. Ingram served on the Board of Directors of the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum. He was an avid Atlanta Braves and University of Georgia football fan.
John never met a stranger, knew the history of racing motorcycles and cars in Savannah and trained many workers at the Roebling Road Raceway.
He was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Survivors include three children, Ann I. Parham and her husband Jimmy of Lakeland, FL; John Sheppard “Shep” Ingram, Jr. and his wife Suzanne of Soperton, GA; Walter Sanford Ingram and his wife Mary of Faulkville, GA; grandchildren, Tim (Jennifer) Parham, Beth (Mike) Moran, Carol (Steve) Wicorek all of Lakeland, FL; Laurianne (Eric) McDonald of Soperton, GA; great grandchildren, Stephen and Brandon Wicorek; Caitlin Moran, Ella and Sophia Parham all of Lakeland, FL; and John Tucker McDonald of Soperton, GA.
A special thanks to the staff of Hospice Savannah, Inc.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 18, 2017 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
The graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 19, 2017 in Bonaventure Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers send contributions to the Mighty 8th Air Force Heritage Museum or Hospice Savannah, Inc.
John was my little league baseball coach when I played for Our House.You were also on my Sav.Morning News route when I was attending Armstrong for 4 years.John was a great coach and a good friend.
- 140 royal lane, pooler,ga., 31322
Shep I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Judy Guyer, Bradenton , FL
Ann, Shep and Walter, we are sad to hear of the passing of your father. May God surrounded each of you with peace and comfort in the days ahead.
- Anne Quarles Humphrey, Woodstock, Georgia
Ann, Shep and Walter, With mixed emotions I write this to each of you and your families - sadness because of the death of your dad; and happiness that you were able to have him for so many years and now he has entered into heaven. He's probably organizing a race already! It has been many years since I have seen any of you but the growing up years haven't faded. 40th Street was a great neighborhood to grow up in and I remember your parents very fondly. Your former neighbor and still friend, Mary
- Mary Quarles Smith Bruce, Jonesboro, GA
I am saddened to hear that Mr John has passed. I only started racing at Roebling Road about ten years ago, but when I first started going to Roebling I would go out to the corner station going up into to turn nine and talk to Mr John. He was always so friendly and answered all my questions. He had some great stories and memories of all he had seen at RRR. It was fascinating to me that he had been working at Roebling for 50 years. At the end of a race he would always give us an enthusiastic thumbs up and seemed very proud of our driving . It seems appropriate that they have built a new corner station out there just this past spring. The old one was certainly his. I will always think of him when I pass his old corner station. Thank you for sharing him with us at RRR.
- Joseph Tobin, Hilton Head , SC
John: You will be surely missed by all of us at Roebling Road. GOD speed, my friend. Larry
- Larry Buell, Orange Park, FL
What a blessing to have had Mr. Ingram with you for such a long time. God through His word The Bible , gives us the hope of "everlasting life." How wonderful it would be to share an eternity with our dead loved ones. The resurrection promise makes that possible. (Revelation 21:3,4); (John 5::28,2) May the God who comforts us in All our trials be with your Family during this time of sorrow.. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
- Sincerely, Nitha & Family , ,
My sincerest condolences to the family in the loss of your loved one. May you find fond memories to be comforting; as well as knowing God provides needed strength, peace and comfort ( 2 Corinthians 1 : 3,4).
- A.H., , MD.
Your Dad lived a full life and I am sure you have many fond memories of him. I also have many memories of my life on East 40th St. with you'll as our next door neighbors. My condolences to you in memory of John's passing, and do hope all the family is doing well. With sympathy to all, Jim Fisher
- Jimmie Fisher, Richmond, Va
Thinking of all of you. So sorry that we can't be there to celebrate John's life with you. We love you all
- Barry and Kay Wilson, Chattanooga, Tn
I am sorry for the loss of John a true friend, he will be greatly missed.
- Ricky Boyette and Family, Bloomingdale, GA
John will certainly be missed by friends and family. He was a wonderful man. I feel blessed to have known him.
- Joan Guyer, ,
John was a competitor, volunteer, mentor, and friend to the members of the Buccaneer Region SCCA and Roebling Road Raceway.
- Don Johnson, Guyton, GA
I am deeply sorry for your loss. It's always difficult when we lose loved ones to sleep in death. However, Jehovah is a God of comfort and offers it by means of the Bible. Isaiah 25:8 is always reassuring to me. How satisfying life will be! May positive memories fill your hearts and minds through this difficult time.
- Roosevelt G., Savannah, Ga
John was my little league baseball coach when I played for Our House.You were also on my Sav.Morning News route when I was attending Armstrong for 4 years.John was a great coach and a good friend.
- 140 royal lane, pooler,ga., 31322
Shep I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Judy Guyer, Bradenton , FL
Ann, Shep and Walter, we are sad to hear of the passing of your father. May God surrounded each of you with peace and comfort in the days ahead.
- Anne Quarles Humphrey, Woodstock, Georgia
Ann, Shep and Walter, With mixed emotions I write this to each of you and your families - sadness because of the death of your dad; and happiness that you were able to have him for so many years and now he has entered into heaven. He's probably organizing a race already! It has been many years since I have seen any of you but the growing up years haven't faded. 40th Street was a great neighborhood to grow up in and I remember your parents very fondly. Your former neighbor and still friend, Mary
- Mary Quarles Smith Bruce, Jonesboro, GA
I am saddened to hear that Mr John has passed. I only started racing at Roebling Road about ten years ago, but when I first started going to Roebling I would go out to the corner station going up into to turn nine and talk to Mr John. He was always so friendly and answered all my questions. He had some great stories and memories of all he had seen at RRR. It was fascinating to me that he had been working at Roebling for 50 years. At the end of a race he would always give us an enthusiastic thumbs up and seemed very proud of our driving . It seems appropriate that they have built a new corner station out there just this past spring. The old one was certainly his. I will always think of him when I pass his old corner station. Thank you for sharing him with us at RRR.
- Joseph Tobin, Hilton Head , SC
John: You will be surely missed by all of us at Roebling Road. GOD speed, my friend. Larry
- Larry Buell, Orange Park, FL
What a blessing to have had Mr. Ingram with you for such a long time. God through His word The Bible , gives us the hope of "everlasting life." How wonderful it would be to share an eternity with our dead loved ones. The resurrection promise makes that possible. (Revelation 21:3,4); (John 5::28,2) May the God who comforts us in All our trials be with your Family during this time of sorrow.. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
- Sincerely, Nitha & Family , ,
My sincerest condolences to the family in the loss of your loved one. May you find fond memories to be comforting; as well as knowing God provides needed strength, peace and comfort ( 2 Corinthians 1 : 3,4).
- A.H., , MD.
Your Dad lived a full life and I am sure you have many fond memories of him. I also have many memories of my life on East 40th St. with you'll as our next door neighbors. My condolences to you in memory of John's passing, and do hope all the family is doing well. With sympathy to all, Jim Fisher
- Jimmie Fisher, Richmond, Va
Thinking of all of you. So sorry that we can't be there to celebrate John's life with you. We love you all
- Barry and Kay Wilson, Chattanooga, Tn
I am sorry for the loss of John a true friend, he will be greatly missed.
- Ricky Boyette and Family, Bloomingdale, GA
John will certainly be missed by friends and family. He was a wonderful man. I feel blessed to have known him.
- Joan Guyer, ,
John was a competitor, volunteer, mentor, and friend to the members of the Buccaneer Region SCCA and Roebling Road Raceway.
- Don Johnson, Guyton, GA
I am deeply sorry for your loss. It's always difficult when we lose loved ones to sleep in death. However, Jehovah is a God of comfort and offers it by means of the Bible. Isaiah 25:8 is always reassuring to me. How satisfying life will be! May positive memories fill your hearts and minds through this difficult time.
- Roosevelt G., Savannah, Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
