Gerald Francis Ingram

Gerald Francis Ingram, known affectionately as Jerry, passed away on March 10, 2026, at Scotia Village Retirement Center in Laurinburg, North Carolina, at the age of 89. Born on July 31, 1936, in Cheraw, South Carolina, to Bizann (Ann) Ingram McManus and Francis Welsh Ingram, he was raised by Ann and Bernie McManus. He grew up working at the family service station and liquor stores in Cheraw owned by the McManus family. Jerry later worked at several manufacturing plants, including Oak River and Talon, and in his later years managed lawns for many neighbors in Bennettsville.

Jerry had a deep love for sports, particularly baseball and women’s basketball, and took great joy in watching his children and grandchildren play. He spent his final years socializing with friends at the Marlboro Council on Aging, where managers Lisa and Sherwood Perkins knew him as a regular alongside his companions David, Paul, and Jack. These gatherings, filled with stories and his extensive knowledge of Bennettsville’s history, became the highlight of his days.

He is survived by his son, Freddie Ingram of Mauldin; his sister, Shirley Davis of Bennettsville; granddaughter Candice Ingram of Dillon; great-granddaughter Shayla Purnell; great-grandson Connor Ingram; former daughter-in-law Tammy Berry of Dillon; and nieces Donna Daniel and Gail Davis. Jerry was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Ingram; children Karen, Randy, and Glenn Ingram; grandson Randall Ingram; and great-granddaughter Nala Kimora Ingram.