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For those paying respect to Mr. Ingle and his family, attending the visitation at Morris Funeral Home. A shuttle service will be provided from Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church Parking Lot across the street to the Morris Funeral Home. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Pierce Ingle, grocer and humanitarian, died at the age of 77 on Sunday, March 6, 2011 after an extended illness. Robert was born in Asheville on July 16, 1933 to Beulah G. Ingle and Elmer Ingle. He grew up as a member of The Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village. The Ingle family is of long standing in the grocery business and by the age of six, Robert was working in his father’s store. As a young man, Robert attended Christ School and later graduated from Lee Edwards High School in 1952. After graduation, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954 with the rank of Sergeant. Robert returned to Asheville where he met Laura A. Laxton, who became his wife in 1956. Together, they moved to Florida where he attended the University of Miami until 1960. Robert worked for Kraft Foods in Florida before returning to Asheville where he opened the first Ingles grocery store in 1963. This was the beginning of what Ingles Markets has become today: a strong, family-oriented, regional grocery chain. Fairness and honesty were fundamental traits Robert used daily in conducting business with his partners, loyal associates, and customers. Throughout his life Robert was supportive of helping those in need and giving to many charitable causes. Mr. Ingle was preceded in death by his father Elmer Ingle; mother Beulah G. Ingle; sister Mary Jane Murdock, brother James E. Ingle and granddaughter, Michele S. Federico. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Laura A. Ingle; his daughters Laura L. Sharp, Sheree A. Federico, Maria E. Murphy and her husband Mark; son Robert P. Ingle II and his wife Nicole; his eleven grandchildren Melissa L. Federico, Michael A. Federico, Taylor E. Federico, Stephanie M. Sharp, Robert M. Sharp, Robert P. Ingle III, Isabelle A. Ingle, Maitlyn A. Murphy, Melanie T. Murphy, Megan K. Murphy and Mia C. Murphy. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Morris Funeral Home on Merrimon Avenue. Funeral services will be held at The Cathedral of All Souls at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2011 with the Very Reverend Todd Donatelli officiating. Interment will follow at Green Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, 204 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801, American Red Cross, 100 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC 28804 or The Cathedral of All Souls, 9 Swan Street, Asheville, NC 28806.

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Mr. Robert P. "Bob" Ingle

July 16, 1933 - March 6, 2011