Justice Kenneth Frank Ingram

Justice Kenneth Frank Ingram passed away on October 24, 2014 at his home in Ashland, Alabama after a lengthy illness. He is survived by daughter, Jennifer Lynn Ingram and her husband, Dr. Ken R. Spitze, of Bloomington, Indiana; son, Kenneth F. Ingram Jr., of Alexander City; one sister, Alta Mary Ingram Sanders, of Prattville, Alabama; grandchildren, Maggie and Patrick Malone. He was preceded in death by brothers, Earnest Allen Ingram, of Lineville, Judge George Morris Ingram, of Ashland. Kenneth Ingram was born July 7, 1929 in Ashland, Alabama to parents Earnest Frank and Alta Allen Ingram. He graduated from Clay County High School in 1947, and Auburn University in 1951 with degrees in History and English. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he earned the award as the top recruit in his platoon. Throughout his life he was always proud of this military service. This commitment to the common good continued throughout his four-decade career in public service to his community and country. After Kenneth and Judith Louise Brown of Gadsden were married in 1954, the couple established their home in Ashland, where they lived until her death in 2008. Kenneth was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Ashland his entire life, taught the Young Adult Sunday School class for over twenty years and served on the Administrative Board. He was a loving and devoted husband, parent, and grandparent and always made the time and effort to support his wife, children, and grandchildren in all of their endeavors. Justice Ingram's public service career began in 1956 with his election to the Ashland City Council. From 1958 to 1966 he served in the Alabama Legislature. His judicial career began in 1968 when Governor Albert Brewer appointed him circuit judge for the 18th Judicial Circuit. He was elected and re-elected in 1970, 1976, and 1982. He served as Presiding Judge for Clay, Coosa, and Shelby counties until January 1987. During his 18 years as circuit judge, he was a member of the original committee that drafted our present criminal code; served as chairman of the Civil Court Forms Committee and as president of the Alabama Circuit Judges Association and was a long time member and chairman of the state Judicial Inquiry Commission. In 1986, Ingram was elected to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals and became Presiding Judge of that court in April of 1989. In 1990, he was elected to a seat on the Supreme Court, where he served until January 1997. During his tenure on the appellate courts, he authored more than 300 opinions. Justice Ingram had a fascinating life, and was committed to serving his church, community, and country. In his free time, he enjoyed reading, gardening, calligraphy, inventing gadgets, and playing tennis. Before embarking on his career in public service, he pursued teaching, photography, printing, and coaching as occupations. He was truly a Renaissance Man, his curiosity knew no bounds and his home was filled with his handiwork. During his life, he was a true gentleman and people will always remember his kind heart and sweet smile. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Honorable Kenneth F. Ingram Endowed Scholarship at Auburn University. Kenneth created this scholarship to help students from Clay County and around the state have the opportunity to get a good education. Please make checks payable to The AU Foundation, earmarked with The Honorable Kenneth F. Ingram Endowed Scholarship Fund . Mail to: Liberal Arts Development Office, 317 S. College St., Auburn, AL 36849, ATTN: Melissa Hage.