Charles Edward Ingram, 100, of Etowah, passed away June 9, 2015 at McMinn Memorial Nursing Home. A native of Murray County, GA and son of the late Charles Marion and Eula Lola Silver Ingram; Ed was a life-long member and Deacon of First Baptist Church of Etowah, TN.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wilhemena Rymer Ingram; his parents; sisters, Pearl Johnston and Jessie Orr; and brother, Dick Ingram.

Survivors include 6 nieces, Gail Guinn of Athens, TN, Sandy Brewer of Etowah, TN, Jeanne Rollins of Little Rock, AR, Alice Sprage of Concord, TN, Michele Orr of Knoxville, TN, and Alisa Brock of Tellico Plains, TN; 2 nephews, Boyd Ingram of Glen Burnie, MD and Doug Ingram of Asheville, NC; 1 great-niece and 8 great-nephews; 6 great-great nieces and 6 great-great nephews; his church family and many friends.

Ed will be remembered as a faithful child of God, devoted husband, beloved family patriarch and good friend.

Early in 1940's, because he couldn't find a "good job", he asked Herman Johnston to teach him how to weld. He went to Newport News, VA, where he became a certified welder and worked for two years in the ship yards. He worked on the USS Hornet, the ship the Doolittle Raiders took off to bomb Japan, and the SS America luxury liner, refitting the liner into a troop transport.

While in Newport News, his father, who worked for the L&N railroad as a locomotive engineer, called him and told him that L&N railroad jobs had become available in Etowah. Ed quickly packed his bags and drove straight to Etowah. He was able to get on the railroad as a brakeman, beginning his 38 year career with the L&N. When a fireman job came available he took it, then later he became a locomotive engineer. He worked on the K&A, working the Old Line between Etowah and Atlanta, and the New Line South End, between Etowah and Atlanta. He and his dad worked only one job together, Ed as the fireman and his dad as the engineer. They took the train over the Old Line from Etowah to Atlanta. As they approached the famous Hiwassee Loop, his dad put him in the engineer's seat and his dad fired around the Loop.

Ed met Wilhemena Rymer on a blind date, and they were married in 1947. He wanted to marry earlier but waited until he had a "good job" and could "save some money." Through the years, their time together was spent fishing at Watts Bar Lake, attending horse shows and antique hunting. They were so good at fishing, their photo was used on a Watts Bar brochure showing their strings of fish. They also traveled to Japan and the Holy Lands.

Woodworking afforded Ed a creative outlet. He was accomplished at using a lathe to craft beautiful wooden bowls, candle sticks, jewelry mirror boxes and lap desks. He spent many hours making the grandfather clock that stood and chimed proudly in his home. One of his special designs was turning small acorn boxes which he loved to give away.

On the farm that was originally purchased by his father, he raised cows and horses. The 1980 Walking Horse World Grand Champion, Ebony's Mountain Man was born and raised on Ed's farm, before being sold. He loved his horses, attending farm auctions and spent many enjoyable days riding through the mountains with some close friends.

The family appreciates the staffs at McMinn Memorial Nursing Home and Rehab Center and Wellington for the love and care they gave to Ed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 12, 2015 in the South Chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home with Dr. Eldridge Cullum officiating. Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m., to 10:00 a.m., Friday, prior to the service. Interment will follow service in Green Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to the Van Fund at the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 317, Etowah, TN 37331