Captain Ronald Ingram, above all, would want to be remembered as a man of God. Along with his faith, Ron’s life was dedicated to extensive service—to his family, his country, his community, and his department. Ron married the love of his life, Beverly, on July 5, 1969. They had four children and chose to spend their life together in Versailles, Kentucky.

Ron was a member of the U.S. Air Force. Following his service, he worked at Georgia-Pacific Dixie Products in Lexington, Kentucky, where he retired in 2014 after 42 years as the safety manager. He was given the nickname “Chief” by the employees at the Lexington Dixie Plant because of his coexisting duty to the Woodford County Fire Department. Ron was selected by Kentucky Governor Martha Lane Collins to become a faculty member of the Governor’s Safety and Health Conference in 1983 and functioned as so until 2014.

Ron’s public service career began as a member on the Woodford County Rescue Squad before becoming a member of the Woodford County Fire Department in 1979. He held the rank of captain and titles of chaplain, dispatcher, state fire trainer, and secretary on the Fire Board. He gained many certifications and invested a great deal of time in training new generations of fire safety and rescue members across the state of Kentucky. After 42 years of duty, he passed away while responding to what would be his final fire dispatch.

His adamant service to his community was also exhibited through his enthusiastic participation in the KY/IN WHAS Crusade for Children fundraising event. Abundant donations made in Ron’s name after his passing allowed the WCFD to collect the highest amount in their department’s history of fundraising, and our family was touched by the generous display in his honor.

Along with his full-time work, fire duties and family responsibilities, Ron’s accompanying accolades and extracurriculars included 25 years as a Woodford County 4-H Leader, 4-H Camp A.C., and fishing instructor. He held the offices of president, secretary, and treasurer on the Carlisle, KY 4-H Camp Improvement Committee Board.

As a man of deep conviction, Ron spent his time as an active member and deacon at the New Hope Baptist Church and was ordained by the Versailles Baptist Church on July 11, 1984.

Ron lived a life as big as his laugh. The sound will remain ingrained in the memory of his family and friends, as it was distinct and plentiful. He was known for telling jokes, playing pranks, and sharing stories with anyone who would lend an ear. He also was known for belting out a hymn or two whenever he saw fit.