Cleophas Ingram Program

Cleophas Lorane “Buddy” Ingram was the twelŌh 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 BapƟst Church, Tennessee Colony. His parents made educaƟon 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 apƟtude for mathemaƟcs. He honed his skills by parƟcipaƟng in University InterscholasƟc League math compeƟƟons, locally and those associated with Prairie View A & M University. At Cayuga High School, he also began developing leadership skills through involvement in various organizaƟons, athleƟcs and campus acƟviƟes. Two of his most memorable high school experiences were being named “Mr. CHS” and becoming the salutatorian of his graduaƟng class (both firsts for African Americans). AŌer graduaƟng from Cayuga High School in 1967, Cleophas aƩended Henderson County Junior College in Athens, Texas; graduaƟng with an Associate of Arts Degree in MathemaƟcs in 1969. Later that year, he enrolled at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas (matriculaƟng from 1969 to 1972), receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in MathemaƟcs and Zoology. While a Texas Tech Red Raider , he excelled academically and enhanced his leadership skill set by becoming the President of the Student OrganizaƟon of Black Unity and a charter member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Eta Upsilon Chapter. AŌer graduaƟng from Texas Tech, he returned home to teach mathemaƟcs at Cayuga High School from 1972 - 1974. Deciding to make a career change, he moved to Dallas and joined the staff of Mobil Oil CorporaƟon as an Associate Programmer/Analyst. He was the first African American hired in the IT Department. Cleophas held several posiƟons throughout his 30 years at Mobil Oil. During his tenure at Mobil, he mentored many new employees and earned the respect of many. Shortly aŌer reƟring 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 reƟred from Bank of America in 2020. Cleophas enjoyed the country life, especially deer hunƟng, farming, gardening and “Ɵnkering” 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 hunƟng/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 BapƟst Church; later affiliaƟng with AnƟoch Fellowship Missionary BapƟst Church and Concord Missionary BapƟst 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.