Bryan Eugene "Gene" Ingram, 97 of Wauchula, Florida passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on July 23, 2023. Gene was born on September 22, 1925, in Homestead, Florida to William Bryan Ingram and Ira Lee (Bell) Ingram.
Gene proudly served his country as a Marine serving in World War II, being deployed to Iwo Jima and Saipan. After his honorable discharge in 1945, he returned to his family business.
Gene was involved in the agriculture industry from the time he was a child, keeping the dream alive for 5 generations, starting his career at his father's nursery. Gene owned and operated his own nursery beginning in 1955, Bryan E. Ingram and Sons Nursery in Homestead, Florida before moving to Hardee County in 1982 to continue his passion for agriculture in the Citrus Industry. Because of his dedication to the agriculture industry, Gene received the 2001 Agriculturist of the Year Award from the Florida Farm Bureau, The Dade County AGRI Council, Inc, award in 2003 for his dedication to the Agricultural Industry, one of his greatest recognitions came in 2001, when the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners again recognized his dedication to the Agriculture industry, proclaiming July 26, 2001, as Bryan Eugene Ingram Day.
Gene was a man of great integrity and outstanding morals. Early on he developed a love for racing 3/4 midgets and went on to race super late models, passing his love for racing to his sons and grandsons.
He was a family man, who loved to fish and work in his grove in his later years.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents William and Ira Ingram, his first wife Ruth, of 39 years, his sister Thelma and brothers Doug and Bill as well as grandsons Bryan Ingram III and Donnie Canary.
He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years Virginia Boatwright Bass Ingram, his children Bryan "Pike" Ingram (Christa) David Ingram (Maggie), Rose Ogle, Diane Justiss, Bubba Bass (Lisa), and Pete Bass, 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Wauchula Cemetery with Pastor Kevin Roberts officiating.