Kermit “Buzz” Ingle

Kermit "Buzz" Ingle

81 years old

Born on August 14, 1943

Passed away on January 23, 2025

Kermit Wade "Buzz" Ingle of Westover, Alabama, born August 14, 1943, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 81. He is survived by his wife, Gwen F. Ingle; his children, Melinda Ingle (Colette), Renee White (Alan), Keri Bulloch (Chris), and Kevin Wagnon (Malin); six grandchildren, Brooke, Zack, Elliott, Lily, Zoe, and Buck; and Winston, his beloved Golden Retriever. He is preceded in death by his parents, Kermit K. and Wilda C. Ingle; his stepmother, Barbara Ingle; and siblings Janet McNeil, Robert Ingle, Ted Todd, and Patricia Male.

Born and raised in Hillsdale, Michigan, Buzz graduated from Michigan State University before embarking on a long and successful career, working for American Home Foods for many years before ultimately retiring in sales from Pfizer. He impacted countless lives, mentoring and inspiring many, including Patty and Ivan Villarreal, exchange students from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, who regard him as a father figure and credit him with many of their successes.

After retirement he served on the Westover City Council and Zoning Board, traveled the world with his wife and best friend, Gwen, and spent many happy hours working outside their country home. He loved and was loved by dozens of cats and dogs and horses, none of whom he ever called by their real names, preferring to give them nicknames that only he used. This habit extended to his friends and family, especially the grandchildren who gave him so much joy - to have been given a nickname by Buzz was a clear indication of his affection. He took great delight in making people smile and laugh and had an uncanny ability to put them at ease - a simple "hello" from Buzz was infused with so much enthusiasm and good humor that few could resist responding in kind. He will be remembered for his gentleness and patience and wit and generosity, and perhaps most of all for his zest for life and his love for his family and the wife that he adored.

While we are heartbroken to lose him, we are comforted in the knowledge that the seeds of love and goodwill that he planted will continue to grow, and eternally grateful that we were lucky enough to share with him the life that he lived so well.



A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to the Shelby County Alabama Humane Society, or the charity of your choice.

His family would like to offer their sincere thanks to the team at Grandview Hospital Neuro ICU and Compassus Hospice for their kindness and compassion.