Coach Chuck Ingram

Longtime Harrisburg High School educator and coach Charles D. Ingram, age 91 years, a resident of Harrisburg since 1974, passed away Thursday morning, May 7, 2026, at 4:19 A.M. at his home. Chuck was born January 19, 1935 in Neoga, Illinois. He was the son of Joseph Ingram and Grace (Warner) Ingram. On April 19, 1955, Chuck was united in marriage to Mary “Marie” Cooper at the First Christian Church in Toledo, Illinois. Together, Chuck and Marie shared over 67 years of marriage, prior to her death on November 10, 2022. Chuck is survived by: his children – Leslie C. “Les” Ingram of Golconda, Illinois and Renee’ M. (Dean Furlong) Williams of Harrisburg, Illinois; 3 grandchildren – Jade (Beth) Goff, Craig (Maura) Williams, and Morgan (Brian) Dalton; 9 great grandchildren – Caleb, Cole, and Cooper Williford, Kyndall and Ridge Williams, Ryan, Levi, Gabe and Braydee Dalton; and brother – Bob Ingram. In addition to his parents and wife, Chuck was preceded in death by his beloved “Granny” Rhoda Gentry; and his siblings: Eugene Ingram, Louise Shook, Phyllis Branum, Kenneth Ingram, Ralph Ingram, Gary Ingram, Helen Tilley, and George Lybarger. Chuck was a 1954 graduate of Cumberland High School, where he was a standout athlete in four sports, basketball, baseball, track & cross country. Following his graduation, Chuck attended Eastern Illinois University at Charleston, Illinois where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education. He continued his studies at Indiana State University, where he attained a master’s degree in education. In 1957, Chuck began his teaching career at Cumberland High School, where he taught industrial arts and later transitioned into the building trades. During this time, he coached little league baseball in Toledo as well as coaching a traveling women’s softball team. During the 1969-1970 school year, Chuck began teaching industrial arts and building trades at Bridgeport/Red Hill High School and continued teaching and coaching in this district until the family moved to Harrisburg in 1974. During his lengthy tenure at Harrisburg High School, Chuck taught industrial arts and building trades until his retirement in 1994. During this time, Chuck and his students constructed 19 homes in Harrisburg and the surrounding area. Chuck coached football as well as boys and girls basketball. His lasting legacy has been his dedication to the Harrisburg High School track and cross country program. Beginning in 1974, Chuck coached boys track and cross country. In 1975, the first female in the school’s history joined the team. By 1979, interest in girl’s track and cross country had grown to a point where a separate female team was formed. He also coached the Gallatin County Girl’s Basketball Team when he was in his 70s. Chuck continued coaching for an amazing sixty nine and a half year span. Chuck has received numerous commendations and awards through the years, including being recognized with a lifetime achievement award by the River-to-River Runners of Southern Illinois. He was inducted into the Southern Illinois Coach’s Hall of Fame and was the 2024 recipient of the Derril Kipp Award presented by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. Chuck always gave credit to his beloved wife, Marie, for his longevity in coaching. Chuck was very civic minded and had formerly served as a member of the Saline County Board. He also operated a private construction business and built, remodeled and renovated a number of residences in the Harrisburg area through the years. Chuck’s building skills and craftsmanship was also exemplified in woodworking and furniture building projects. In his youth, Chuck was an avid hunter. Chuck was a longtime faithful member of the Harrisburg First Christian Church. He served for over 30 years as an elder and trustee, as well as serving as chairman of both the church board and the building and grounds committee. The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Kayleigh Hopkins, Beth Goff and grandsons Caleb Williford and Cole Williford for their excellent care during Chuck’s illness. Additionally, a special note of thanks to granddaughter Jade Goff for her exceptional nursing skills and tender care. A service honoring the life of Coach Chuck Ingram will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, May 12, 2026, at 1 P.M. at Little Chapel Church, 3859 Illinois Route 34, Harrisburg, Illinois. Minister Biff Moore will officiate. Interment will be in Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg. Visitation will be held Monday, May 11, 2026, from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. in Davenport Gymnasium at the Harrisburg High School. Please enter through door # 21 (south gym entrance). A further time of visitation will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 11 A.M. until the service hour at 1 P.M. at Little Chapel Church. Those attending the visitation and service are invited to show their Bulldog pride and honor Coach Chuck by wearing purple colored attire. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, 20 South Webster Street, Harrisburg, Illinois 62946 or to the Harrisburg High School Girl’s Track Team, 333 West College Street, Harrisburg, Illinois 62946. Memorial envelopes will be available at both the high school and church.

Coach Chuck Ingram

January 19, 1935 - May 7, 2026