Bob Ingram

Oh, "Bobby I," how we will miss you!

Bob was on the City Desk at the Advertiser in the early 60s when I first worked there. He was always the best at what he did; and you knew that if you heard it from him, you could take it to the bank.

I left Montgomery in the early 60s and was gone for 20 years. When I returned, I followed his political analyses on the various stations; his syndicated column, his books. Then, when I began working for Rod Nachman, he and "Bobby I" were close friends and tennis partners, so I saw him often.

When I learned of his illness, I sent him a card. I hated to know that such a viable voice of Alabama politics was going through such hard times, and knew that he would have so much to say about the "next election."

As I told everyone today, "Good Lord, "Bobby I" would be so upset to know that he will miss the Auburn-LSU game tomorrow night! He was such a fan." If we win, I think he'll know. But, now, I am just thankful he is out of his pain and with his dear Edith.

You were a good man, Bob, and you were so talented and gifted and used your "smarts" and your wit to inform us, to make us smile, and, most importantly, to make us get involved in what was happening on the political scene and to take our voting responsibilities seriously. I thank you for that. You were an original and Alabama will miss you. What a treasure you were!

Go gently into the night, my friend.