Ralph Echerd Ingram

Mr. Ralph Echerd Ingram, 93, passed away Friday, January 19, 2018, at Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehab Center in Salisbury following a period of declining health.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at St. John's Reformed Church. Dr. Christopher King will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2:00 pm Wednesday at the church prior to the service.

Ralph was born January 26, 1924 in Taylorsville. He was a son of the late Charlie Mike Ingram and Olive Florinda Echerd Ingram.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael Ingram; four brothers, Fred, Frank, Hughe and Jim Ingram; six sisters, Bessie Lumsden, Sue King, Clara Wren Walker, Lois Hubbard, Willie Lee Walker, Pansy King; and a grandson, Byron Sheets.

He was a lifelong resident of the area having retired after forty-five years of employment from the sewing room of Cannon Mills Plant One, where he was a supervisor. Ralph was a member St. John's Reformed Church and served in the US Army during World War II.

He loved his church and was active as a deacon, helped with the hot dog sales and was a member of the men's brotherhood. He became an avid gardener, giving away most of what he grew. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Ralph had a great love for his family and loved spending time with them. He loved doing magic tricks for the children and always had quarters to pluck from their ears.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Esther Ingram; step-daughters, Darien Britt Sheets of China Grove and Catherine Copeland and her husband Dennis of Fort Mill, SC; and sister, Pearl Childers of Taylorsville. His special grandchildren are Ashley Eudy and husband Chad and Lisa Cruz and husband Noel; great grandchildren, Aubrey Eudy, Joshua Eudy, Selene Cruz and Nathan Cruz; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Liberty Commons for the wonderful care that was given to Ralph and also a special thanks to Jimmy and Darlene McGinnis.

Memorials to honor Ralph may be directed to St. John's Reformed Church, 901 North Main Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081.