Robert Kirk Ingram, Jr.

All over the world, 1948 was a significant and memorable year. During this Leap Year, many in the country were enjoying music by listening to the newly invented long-playing (33-1/3 RPM) record on a record player, and on February 29th, the Ingram Family welcomed their first born and patriarchal namesake, Robert Jr., in the family. He was destined to impact many lives through music, technology, and conversation. 

Robert received Christ at an early age and was a baptized in Jesus Name at the Bibleway Pentecostal Apostolic Church of Christ under the tutelage and pastorship of the late Bishop C. P. Jones. He received the gift of the Holy Ghost and continued to serve the ministry when his father, the late Reverend Robert K. Ingram, Sr. became pastor.  He had a heart of worship and was active in the church music ministry by playing the bass guitar. Playing and traveling with his Fender Electric Bass Guitar and Amplifier was his passion. He played with several local choirs and groups including the “Traveling Singers.”  He later joined the Spirit of Liberty Worship Center under the leadership of Bishop Malverse Simpson where he was a faithful member. He enjoyed serving in the music ministry there and deepened his knowledge in Christ while worshipping with his church family during any service.  

Robert, affectionately known as “Big Bob, Bobby, Ralph,” had a heart for learning, education, serving, and helping others. He attended Lucy Addison High School and graduated with the Class of 1968. He continued his education and became certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Criminal Justice Service. For many years, he worked as a Private Security Guard, Curator of several buildings, and served as a role model and mentor to new employees. 

He had a natural gift and was skilled at working with his hands. If it was broken, he could fix it. He loved to take an older model television, take it a part, and make it new again. He was a skilled musician and thoroughly enjoyed playing his “Fender Bass.” He brought a joyous virtuosity to the electric bass and was widely revered by fellow musicians who would always extend a warm welcome for him to play along. He was an artist in his own right, and he even sketched self- portraits and replicas of his cars and motorcycles. 

He was a true believer of the notion that the cologne you choose should make you feel good when you go out in it. He often joked that the cologne, “…doesn’t make you, but you make the cologne work.” One could often enjoy the crisp, aromatic woodsy notes and appreciate the blends of warm spice when he entered the room. Then often, a guttural laugh, warm smile, and a “Hey!” would follow. He was kind-hearted, never met a stranger, loved to joke, laugh, and carry on a good conversation. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Robert K. Ingram, Sr., and Mother Dr. Willie Mae Ingram; son, Robert K. “’Lil Bobby” Ingram III; sister, Geneva-Nadine Ingram; and niece, Donna Parker-Lamar. 

Those left to cherish his memory and continue his legacy are his daughters, Sonya (Pastor Samuel) Roman, and Lauren (Alphonso) Calloway; stepdaughters, Wanda Butler and Geneva Nadine “Nikki” Ingram-Murphy; sister and faithful caregiver, Robin C. Ingram; grandchildren, Shaniqua Roman, Shaquan Roman, Jaylen Calloway, and Tyrese Calloway; special nephews, Jameko Kasey and Adrian Ingram; great-niece, Quiana Fields; great-nephew, DeVonte’ Saunders; great-great niece, Quoryne-Nadine; several good friends; Anthony Hunter and Zachary “Zachy” Hunter (nephew), a host of cousins, whom he was raised with as siblings, loving relatives, fellow musicians, and friends. 

Special thanks to Friendship Manor Staff, Nurses, CNAs, and Social Workers; specifically, Amber, Elizabeth, Dooley, and Emilio; and the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice. 

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 1:00PM at Bibleway Pentecostal Church of the Apostolic Faith, Roanoke, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Friends may call at Serenity on Tuesday, 2-5PM for viewing.  Interment will be held in Williams Memorial Park.