The Shadow
Basil Bun Ingram
Basil Bun Ingram, age 89, of Longdale Furnace Road, Clifton Forge, Virginia died on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia.
Basil was born in Anthony, West Virginia on March 11, 1937, to the late Bun and Lorena Cummings Ingram. He resided in Clifton Forge, Virginia where he and his wife made their home.
Basil was a man of deep faith who loved the Lord and lived his life devoted to his family. He was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Clifton Forge for over 57 years, where his faith was an important part of who he was and the foundation upon which he built his life.
Basil was preceded in death by his sister, Theta Mae “Sis” Ingram; brothers, Leonard, Allen, Avis, Gerald, Maynard, and Asil Ingram; half-brother, Tony Ingram; and half-sister, Kathleen Ruby.
On May 28, 1954, Basil enlisted in the United States Army. He completed eight weeks of basic training with the 3rd Armored Division at Fort Knox, Kentucky, followed by eight weeks of Military Police School and the Provost Marshal Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia. In February 1956, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and later served with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in Augsburg, Germany, from February 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1957.
It was Basil in his Army uniform who first caught the eye of Patricia Ann Toothman of Ronceverte, West Virginia. Before they had even met, Patti famously proclaimed, “I’m going to marry that man!” And she did.
Basil and Patti eloped to Clifton Forge, Virginia, on September 9, 1959, beginning a marriage that would span nearly 67 years. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, love, and hard work.
Basil was a provider in every sense of the word. He was employed by the Naval Propellant Plant in Indian Head, Maryland. After moving to Virginia, he owned and operated Ingram’s Mobil Home Movers and later retired as an Amtrak Engineer with CSX Corporation after more than 30 years of service. He remained a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
He was known for his incredible work ethic and often had two jobs at a time. He never complained about the long hours or hard work. Providing for the people he loved was simply what he did. His family knew they could count on him.
But Basil’s greatest legacy was not the work he did – but the love he gave.
Basil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Ingram, and his two daughters, Debra Kay Puckett and husband Ray, and Sherri Lynn Holland and husband Mark.
He leaves behind five grandchildren: Kellie Rae Jones (Mike), Jessica Lynnette Hall, Mark Tyler Holland (Kelsi), Emily LeeAnn Moore (Matthew), and Karrie Grace Minnix (Cory); and ten great-grandchildren: Brayden Hall, Makayla Jones, Kenley Jones, Aubree Holland, Carter Holland, Violet Moore, Scarlett Moore, Kenna Minnix, Brooks Minnix, and Emerson Minnix.
To his family, Basil was so much more than a husband, father, and grandfather. He was their rock, protector, provider, teacher, and example. His life showed them what it meant to keep your word, love your family, and most importantly, trust in God. They take comfort in knowing that the man who spent his life providing for those he loved has now received the greatest gift of all – he has gone on to be with his Savior.
A celebration of Basil’s life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, 2819 Douthat Road, Clifton Forge, Virginia.
The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12: p.m. Pastor Luke Benton will conduct the service. Interment will be at the Sharon Church Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted at the graveside by members of the United States Army.
Pallbearers will be Ray Puckett, Matthew Moore, Mike Jones, Cory Minnix, Tyler Holland, and Louie Puckett.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Holland and Brayden Hall.
Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Immanuel Baptist Church.
Basil’s earthly work is finished. His faith has become sight. His family will miss him deeply, but they can rejoice in the promise he believed in all his life-that this is not goodbye, bur “until we meet again.”
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com
