[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 30711-30712]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE MEMORY OF MR. ROBERT B. INGRAM, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 8, 2007

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the state of Alabama recently lost a dear 
friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. 
Mr. Robert B. Ingram, Jr., known as Bob to his many friends and family, 
was one of the most influential and respected political writers in 
Alabama's history.
  Born in Centre, Alabama, in 1926, Bob and his 2 sisters were raised 
in Cherokee County by his widowed mother during the Great Depression. 
He graduated from Cherokee County High School and served with 
distinction in World War II as a radio operator and gunner aboard the 
USS Panamint. He graduated from Auburn University in 1949 and soon 
began working for the Cherokee County Herald.
  Soon thereafter, Bob joined the Montgomery Advertiser, where he 
worked as a reporter. He left the world of journalism for several years 
and served as state finance director for former Alabama Governor Albert 
Brewer. From 1979 until 1993, he was editorial director at WSFA-TV in 
Montgomery, and he ended his editorials with the words that became his 
trademark, ``And that's the way I see it . . .''
  Bob Ingram also wrote 2 books, ``That's the Way I Saw It,'' and 
``That's the Way I Saw It II,'' published a magazine, and spent 30 
years as a political analyst for 3 Montgomery television stations. He 
received many awards throughout his storied career. He particularly 
cherished the honor bestowed on him by Auburn University Montgomery 
with the creation of the Robert Ingram Lecture Series. Four years ago, 
he was inducted into the communication hall of fame at the University 
of Alabama, and earlier this year, he received the Mass Media 
Achievement Award from the Auburn University Journalism Foundation.
  Bob Ingram reported on--and was witness to--many of the most pivotal 
events in Alabama's history, including the civil rights movement and 
the career of former Governor George C. Wallace. While known for his 
legendary objectivity, Bob was never afraid to speak his mind. Be it 
with praise or criticism, Mr. Ingram served as a watchdog for the 
people of Alabama his entire career. For nearly 50 years, his weekly 
column, ``The Alabama Scene,'' was a treasure trove of political 
tidbits, history, and news for Alabamians.
  Bob Ingram was also active with several charitable and civic 
endeavors. He was a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club, and served 
as a deacon at Cloverdale Baptist Church in Montgomery, where he taught 
Sunday school for more than 35 years. Most recently, he volunteered his 
time with the Montgomery Ostomy Association.
  The Montgomery Advertiser's tribute to Bob Ingram was especially 
poignant, stating, ``Most of those who knew Ingram through his writings 
and television analyses never met him in person, but they felt he was 
their friend.''
  Madam Speaker, Bob Ingram was a reporter, a publisher, an author, a 
commentator, and a speaker for the better part of a century. He was an 
outstanding example of the quality individuals who have devoted their 
lives to the field of journalism, and I ask my colleagues to join with 
me in remembering one of our State's most revered journalists and 
esteemed citizens.
  Bob Ingram loved life and lived it to the fullest, and his passing 
marks a tremendous loss for all of Alabama. He will be deeply missed by 
many, most especially his children, Robert B. Ingram III, Beth Ingram 
Lamberth, and Ragan Ingram; his sister, Rozanne I. Jones; his 8 
grandchildren; his great-grandchild; as well as countless friends he 
leaves behind.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

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