Dr. Richard C. Ingram, aged 76, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, in Rock Hill, surrounded by his family and puppy, Lucy, after a long illness.
Richard was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, on December 14, 1946. He was the son of the late Edward and Catherine Ingram. After graduating from Moon High School in Coraopolis, PA, Richard enrolled in The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. During his Knob year at the Citadel, he quickly learned that grits did not need to have sugar and never tried grits again. He graduated from the Citadel with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1968.
Immediately upon graduation, Richard entered the United States Army, and after graduation from the United States Army Infantry School in 1969, he was sent to Vietnam. Upon successful completion of service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Bronze Star.
After returning home from service, Richard decided to go to the University of South Carolina and obtained his Masters of Education in 1979 and his Doctorate of Philosophy in 1983. Richard and his family moved to Rock Hill to work at Winthrop University as a professor in the College of Education. He was a beloved professor who inspired many teachers until his retirement in 2009.
Richard was a proud member of the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. He enjoyed volunteering with the Hibernians and the Knights of Columbus and was the Grand Knight in 2011. Richard’s favorite time of year with the church was during the Annual Italian Festival. As the kitchen manager during the festival, Richard often could be found joking and playing around with a loud laugh while preparing the sauce and meatballs.
Richard married Linda Morris on January 20, 1973. Linda was the love of his life, and they enjoyed 50 years of marriage together. In addition to Linda, he is survived by his son Chris Ingram of Winston Salem, NC, and grandson, Asher. He is also survived by his daughter Ashley Ingram Rock, her husband, Michael, of Quantico, VA, and their children, Aidan, Madden, Blakely, and Hunter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Community Care , 2275 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill. The family would like to thank the Hospice and Community Care caregivers for the care and comfort given to Richard and his family during his final days. They would also like to thank Dr. Haggstrom, Dr. Parala-Metz, and the nurses and staff at Levine Cancer Institute for their compassion and kindness over the last four years.
In addition, the family would also like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to Richad’s caregiver and friend, Mary Roberson. Her laugh and love brought both Richard and the family peace throughout this time.
A funeral mass will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, August 19, 2023, at St. Philip Neri, 292 Munn Road, Fort Mill, SC. There will not be a reception following the mass; however, friends may drop by the home afterward.