Ronald George Ingham, 75, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, died on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Ron was born in Maplewood, New Jersey on October 26, 1936. He spent most of his childhood in Agawam, Massachusetts. After earning his undergraduate degree at Temple University, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he reached the rank of Captain. After leaving the Marine Corps, he earned his law degree at Stetson University College of Law in 1967. Upon graduation, he worked for the National Labor Relations Board in Tampa before moving to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he became the Chief Labor Council for Westinghouse Corporation.
Several years after moving to Tennessee in 1976, he, Hal Clements and Bill Trumpeter formed their own labor and employment firm, Clements, Ingham & Trumpeter. In 1987, CIT merged with Miller & Martin. With Ron as its leader, the Miller& Martin Labor and Employment Department grew to 40 attorneys, one of the largest labor and employment practices in Tennessee. Ron was an admired mentor to many of the younger attorneys at Miller & Martin. His clients could not have found a more dedicated advocate to present their causes.
One of Ron’s larger clients was Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. While remaining a member of Miller & Martin, Ron accepted an appointment in CCE as Deputy General Counsel, handling labor relations for the company across the United States. After several years in Atlanta, Ron returned to Chattanooga, before retiring from Miller & Martin.
Ron was a longtime member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry and as an usher. He was an avid racquetball player and outdoor enthusiast. Sailing, hunting and fishing with his family and friends were his favorite pastimes. His family has many fond memories of these times with many funny stories to tell. After retirement he joined SCORE, became its secretary and spent many hours counseling clients.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lillian Ingham; his brother-in-law, Peter Hughes and his beloved dog, Daisy.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan Hughes Ingham, Signal Mountain; daughter, Betsy Wallis (Greg), Indianapolis, In.; son, Michael Ingham (Bethany), Littleton, Co.; brother, Bill Ingham (Kim), Tierra Verde, Fla.; four grandchildren, Ethan and Daniel Wallis, Gus and Nora Ingham; many nieces, nephews and friends who will all miss him.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 18, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 2:30 p.m. with visitation one hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association (Chattanooga), Wounded Warrior Project, Chattanooga Community Kitchen, or the charity of your choice.
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Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.