of Sherwood, AR
October 4, 1926 - March 3, 2015
CHESTER ANDERSON INGRAM, 88, of Sherwood, AR, departed this life on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.
Chester was born in Higden, AR, on October 4, 1926, to James ''Jim'' Franklin and Beulah (Porter) Ingram. The family later moved to Lonoke County where Chester received his education at Humnoke High School then proudly served in the Army, arriving on the Philippine Islands the day WW II ended.
On January 26, 1948, Chester married his high school sweetheart, Wilma Harris, and they enjoyed 67 wonderful years together. Their marriage was blessed with one daughter, Judy.
Chester retired from the USPS after 32 years of serving as a rural mail carrier on Humnoke and England routes. He was known as the mailman you could set your clock by! He was especially proud of the ''One Million Mile Safe Driver'' award he received before his retirement.
His greatest honor in life was to serve as an elder, at the Somers Avenue Church of Christ and previously at the Coy Church of Christ. Spending hours in study of the Bible, he shared God's Word for over 50 years in Bible classes, individual studies, as well as preaching part-time. Gifted with a wonderful voice, he had a great love of singing gospel songs. Serving as a song leader for many years, he led his last song service only 2 weeks prior to his heart by-pass surgery at the age of 85.
Chester was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Floyd and Alton Ingram; sisters, Inez Anderson and Clara Howard; and a pre-maturely born son, Timothy Bruce Ingram.
Cherishing his memory are his loving wife, Wilma Harris Ingram; his daughter, Judy Rye and her husband, Danny of Sherwood. Lovingly known as ''Gangy'', he will be greatly missed by grandsons, Chad Rye and his wife, Bayley of Sherwood, and Kyle Rye and his wife, Sara, of Pensacola, FL.; great-grandchildren, Cole Anderson Rye, Micah Elizabeth Rye, and due this summer, Avery Leigh-Anne Rye; along with several nieces, nephews, dear friends, and his faithful little companion, Coco.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Somers Avenue Church of Christ, 4801 Somers Avenue, North Little Rock with burial following at Rest Hills Memorial Park. Oran Burt and Kyle Rye will officiate. Active pallbearers are Jim Akins, Tim Ashberry, Joe Hurd, Mike Penrod, Danny Rye, and Jay Shock. Honorary pallbearers are Van Gibbins, F.H. Lyons, Sonny Derden, Benny Sain, Jon Nevins, Joe Ellis, Elwood Whitfield, Don Huckeba, Robert DeMoss, and Dale Stock.
Visitation will be at Somers from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2015 under the direction of Roller Owens Funeral Home (501-791-7400).
Memorials may be made to the Somers Avenue Church of Christ, 4801 Somers Ave., North Little Rock, AR 72116 or Children's Homes, Inc., 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, AR 72450.
Wilma, so sorry to hear of the passing of Chester. He was a good man and employee and I know he will be missed by many. My prayers are with you and your family.
Wilma & Judy we thought so much of Chester but Hang on we will see him again soon. Ido believe. He was such a nice Christian man and a gentleman.We will Keep you all in our prayers.
I just saw on Face Book where Chester went to be with the Lord. Wilma I'm so sorry for you and Judy and will keep you in my prayers.
Mrs Wilma and Mrs Judy,
I am so sorry for your loss. What a special man he was to everyone. Praying for you all at this time and throughout. Love you all!
Dear Wilma and Judy, So sorry to hear about Chester. I always thought of him as the quiet man - and such a gentleman! I know he will be sorely missed by your family and the community.My Love and prayers to all of you.
So Sorry for the Loss Of Uncle Chester. You have an Angel In Heaven watching down on you. He has definitely left a Legacy. Wonderful & Professional Individual. Love & Blessings!
Our prayers are with you Mrs Wilma & Judy and all of your family. We remember your family with love and appreciate the examples you set in our community of Humnoke. Mr Chester was an example for all to flow in his devotion to God and his famy.
I'm so sorry about Mr. Chester . My heart goes out to u Wilma and Judy . My god give u peace. I'm thinking of u. Ginger Whitted crouch
Judy & Mrs. Wilma, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Chester will be missed by many. Love & prayers to your family
Diane
With love and sympathy.
Prayers & love. Mr. Chester will be missed but I know he met with a host of Angels in Heaven.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of Chester and loved it when he led singing . My thought and prayers are with you all.
In Christ always,
Wendy
My heart is heavy with your loss and my heart rejoices as Mr. Chester is welcomed to heavens gate. I will pray for you to be comforted, and that you will all continue to be strong for each other.
Our love and Prayers go out to your family!! He was a great man Mom sends her love and support in Prayers also, God is with you all and we will see him again someday!!
May God grant you all peace through this very hard time. We are praying for everyone. Love you.
We are truly sorry about Chester. Prayers for strength and comfort during this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all!
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Chester will be missed by all who knew him.
Jack and Brenda McKee
We are so very sorry for your loss. Chester was such a fine Christian and a great example for everyone. Our prayers are with your family during this sad time.