Theoplis L. Ingram

ORDER OF SERVICE Prelude Organist Invocation Minister Hymn "Blessed Assurance" Scriptures: Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Min. Mildred McCullough Greater Mt. Moriah Primitive Baptist Church New Testament: II Timothy 4:5-8 Min. Brenda Richardson St. Paul Baptist Church Prayer of Comfort Pastor Sidney Phillips Millennium Temple Baptist Church Musical Selection Choir Resolution & Acknowledgements Tani Seymore Tributes (Please limit to 2 minutes) Second Ward ~ West Charlotte Breakfast Club 1954 West Charlotte High School Football Champions Deacon James Kirkpatrick ~ GMMPBC Mr. Willie James Holmes ~ Trustee Board GMMPBC Mr. Robert "Bleach" Fulford Solo "What Are We Doing In Heaven Today" Mr. Theodore Gray Reflections & Special Tribute Elder Richard Johnson ~ Family Halls Chapel Primitive Baptist Church Honorable Kelly M. Alexander, Jr. Executive Vice President, Alexander Funeral Home/ N.C. House of Representatives Obituary Reading & Video (Please Read Silently) Musical Selection "The Other Shore" Choir Eulogy Elder Chester Brown, III Recessional "Let The Church Say Amen" Choir Benediction Committal & Interment Salisbury National Cemetery 501 Statesville Boulevard Salisbury, NC 28144 Monday, February 8, 2016 11:00 a.m. ********************************************************************** OBITUARY “Think upon me, my God, for good, (according) to all that I have done for this people. “ ~Nehemiah 5:19 On January 26, 2016, God saw that His child Theoplis Ingram had fought the good fight and called him from his earthly home to his heavenly home. Theoplis (affectionately known as Mr. T” was born on December 6, 1936 to the late Burk and Rose Ingram. Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, he attended Alexander Street Elementary School and West Charlotte High School. During his Senior year (“Stretch” as he was known by his teammates) was a member of the 1954 championship football team and also earned the Eagle Scout Award. Upon graduation, Theoplis joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served our country for four years. At an early age he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior by joining the Greater Mt. Moriah Primitive Baptist Church. A lifelong member, his love of his church and church family was evident in the way he served and the lives he touched. He was an active member of the Usher Board, where he was President during his younger years, serving until his health started failing. He faithfully served on the Trustee Board, Board of Directors, Budget Committee and with the Boy Scouts helping young boys achieve their Eagle Scout Award. On January 19, 1958, Theoplis married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Lou Herndon. Even though they attended rival High Schools, the football player and cheerleader’s love endured the test of time. Seven days before his death they celebrated fifty eight years of marriage. Theoplis worked for over twenty three years at Cook’s Department Store where he advanced from being a stock boy to an Assistant Store Manager. Under the guidance and mentoring of the Alexander family and the late Robert A. Walls, Sr., “Mr. T” returned to school and became a licensed Funeral Director. Although he served in many capacities at Alexander’s just to name a few, General Manager and Second Vice President, for over twenty nine years, being a funeral director was his true calling. He served all of his families with love and compassion. Those who worked with “Mr. T” were not just coworkers, they were family, whom he loved dearly. He retired only after he could no longer actively work due to the doctors orders. Theoplis was a long standing member of Unique Lodge #85, the Charlotte Mecklenburg County Branch NAACP and the Second Ward/West Charlotte Breakfast Club. He enjoyed watching westerns and was an avid Carolina Panther fan. He especially treasured just sitting, talking and sharing his wisdom, his faith in God and life’s many lessons with others. Theoplis Ingram will always be remembered by his family as loving and humble. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Liston Ingram and Marion Ingram, a beloved sister, Roberta Johnson and great-grandson, Joshua Tillman. His memory will be cherished by his wife of fifty eight years, Mary Lou Ingram; four children, Gwendolyn McCain (Brice) and Carolyn Lydia Ingram both of Charlotte, North Carolina and Carlton Ingram (Lyhn) and Reginald Ingram (Marilyn) both of Honolulu, Hawaii; fourteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Rosetta Johnson (Ronald) of Durham, North Carolina; brother-in-law, Sidney Roach of Charlotte, North Carolina and a host of nieces, nephews, “adopted” children, other family and friends. When all is said and done, may the life Theoplis lived speak for him. ********************************************************************** Expressions of Gratitude The family of Theoplis Ingram expresses heartfelt thanks to each of you for your many acts of kindness, prayers, and fellowship extended during his illness and at our time of bereavement. We would especially like to thank Dr. B. Parthenia Richardson, doctors and nursing staff at Novant Presbyterian Hospital, the staff at Charlotte Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Unique Lodge #85, Chaplain and visitation committee and Presbyterian Harris Hospice for all the love and care given to Theoplis. Your thoughtfulness will always be remembered and held close to our hearts. May God continue to bless each of you.