CLEOPHAS INGRAM Sr.

Cleophas Lorane “Buddy” Ingram was the twelfth of thirteen children born to the parentage of Herbert Mack Ingram and Sarah Ann Simpson Ingram on July 17, 1949, Tennessee Colony, Anderson County, Texas.  He acquired his work ethic during his early years, while working with his parents and siblings on maintaining their successful family farm.  He started his religious journey at New Hope Baptist Church, Tennessee Colony.

His parents made education a high priority.  He began his elementary experience at Massey Lake Elementary; moving to Green Bay High School.  When the school closed, he enrolled in Cayuga High School.  While in high school, he discovered his aptitude for mathematics.  He honed his skills by participating in University Interscholastic League math competitions, locally and those associated with Prairie View A & M University.  At Cayuga High School, he also began developing leadership skills through involvement in various organizations, athletics and campus activities.  Two of his most memorable high school experiences were being named “Mr. CHS” and becoming the salutatorian of his graduating class (both firsts for African Americans).

After graduating from Cayuga High School in 1967, Cleophas attended Henderson County Junior College in Athens, Texas; graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree in Mathematics in 1969.  Later that year, he enrolled at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas (matriculating from 1969 to 1972), receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Zoology.  While a Texas Tech Red Raider, he excelled academically and enhanced his leadership skill set by becoming the President of the Student Organization of Black Unity and a charter member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Eta Upsilon Chapter.

After graduating from Texas Tech, he returned home to teach mathematics at Cayuga High School from 1972-1974.  Deciding to make a career change, he moved to Dallas and joined the staff of Mobil Oil Corporation as an Associate Programmer/Analyst. He was the first African American hired in the IT Department.  Cleophas held several positions throughout his 30 years at Mobil Oil.  During his tenure at Mobil, he mentored many new employees and earned the respect of many.

Shortly after retiring from Mobil Oil, he was afforded the opportunity to join the staff of MBNA as a Database Administrator (later named Bank of America). In 2017, he was promoted to Vice President, Mainframe Database Services.  He retired from Bank of America in 2020.

Cleophas enjoyed the country life, especially deer hunting, farming, gardening and “tinkering” around the farm.  Many Saturday mornings, he could be seen loading his truck to travel to the farm in Tennessee Colony where he would meet up with his baby brother, Wayne; his hunting/farming buddy.

Cleophas married the love of his life, Hazel Marie Jackson, on November 23, 1974. They are the proud parents of two sons and six grandchildren. Upon moving to Dallas, Hazel and Cleophas united with Carver Heights Baptist Church; later affiliating with Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church and Concord Missionary Baptist Church   He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings:   Johnnie C., Jimmie, James, Charles, Mary, Olivia, Cetharl, and Edward.

Cleophas gained his heavenly wings on September 19, 2022. He leaves on earth his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Hazel; sons, Cleophas. Jr. and Cedric (Regina); 6 grandchildren: Cameron, Trent, Jackson, Leila, Sydnee, and Daniel; brothers, William (Shirley), Wayne, Sr. (Dr. Nell); sisters, Alene Baker and Annie Nelson (Henry); two sisters-in-law, Martha and Carolyn Ingram; sisters/brothers-in-law; Vickie Ragsdale (Robbie), James Jackson, Jr. (Barbara), and Steven Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and family and friends who will cherish his memory forever.