Herbert Ingram

January 26, 2017

Herbert Lindbergh Ingram, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret), 87, of Inverness, Fla., on January 26, 2017, slipped the surly bonds of earth to enter the pearly gates of heaven.

From the time he was born in Bainbridge, Georgia, and given the middle name Lindbergh by his older brother, he was destined to fly. Beginning as an airplane mechanic, he joined the Air Force and was soon commissioned. In 1953, he married the love of his life, Doris. He continued his career as a KC-135 refueler pilot and later flew rescue HH-53, Super Jolly Green Giant helicopters in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam conflict. While there, he performed a rescue that earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and retired after 24 years of service.

He continued to fly his private plane for many years for his enjoyment and to the delight of so many people who flew with him. After retirement, Herb and his family moved to the land in Inverness he had purchased in 1963, and built his dream house. He wanted to be his own boss and began a business of cleaning and painting roofs. After an accident with a ladder, he became a realtor for Largo Realty. He had many other interests and hobbies, to include camping, fishing, and playing guitar and singing with his friends. Herb loved greatly and was greatly loved by all who knew him. He spent the latter years of his life in the caring arms of Avante Nursing Home in Inverness.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Remus and Bertha Ingram, and brother Cecil Ingram. He is survived by his sisters, Doris Pyle of Anderson, Ind., Jean Connnell of Lady Lake, Fla.; brother John Ingram of Triangle, Va.; his devoted wife Doris of Inverness; daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and John McCleary of Gainesville, Ga.; granddaughter and husband Sara and Phillip Walker of Mobile, Ala.; grandson Jack McCleary of Athens, Ga.; great-grandsons Urijah and Micah Walker and numerous nieces and nephews.

Charles E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness, was in charge of arrangements, and a service with Military Honors was held at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Angel Flight Southeast, 8864 Airport Blvd., Leesburg, Fla. 34788, or Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast, P.O. Box 641270 Beverly Hills, Fl 34464.