Nadine Ingle

Nadine Wilson Ingle, 94, longtime church and civic leader, died Sunday, June 8, 2014. In 1977, she was awarded the coveted honor of being selected the National Business Woman of the Year by the American Business Women's Association. Born and reared in Knoxville, Mrs. Ingle moved to Chattanooga in 1938 along with her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. T.L. Wilson. As a senior at Knoxville High School, she was selected by the Daughters of the American Revolution as the "Best Girl Citizen of Knoxville"; and, among other honors, she was invited to a luncheon at the Tennessee Governor's Mansion. Upon graduation, she was presented an award for making all A's in high school. She was graduated from McKenzie College, Chattanooga, with the highest grade average ever attained up to that time; and for the next 10 years, she worked as an executive secretary at the Volunteer Ordnance Works. For twenty years, she was employed by Pryor, Love and Lewis Insurance Agency and its successor, Webb & Associates, where she served as office manager, secretary-treasurer, and a member of the board of directors. In 1976, she took early retirement to start her own Shaklee business and became one of the company's largest producers, earning many awards and trips all over the world for her and her husband. She was always interested in civic activities, including the Prison Ministry and participated in many local community affairs. She appeared on radio and television locally to promote contributions for grants and loans so worthy young women could further their education. She was also influential in bringing several conventions to Chattanooga. As a member of the Chattanooga Scenic Land Chapter, in October, 1977, she was selected as the National Business Woman of the Year by the American Business Women's Association. The national honor was based on accomplishments in education, business achievements, civic participation, and ABWA work. She was in competition with over 90,000 members, including judges, medical doctors, lawyers, college professors, etc. On January 1, 1978, the announcement of her national honor was selected by the CHATTANOOGA TIMES as one of its "Top Ten Stories for 1977". For this signal honor, Mrs. Ingle received a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States; an "Outstanding Tennessean Award" from Tennessee's Governor in his office, and the "Distinguished Citizen Award" from the Mayor of Chattanooga, as well as awards from governors of several states and Honorary Citizenships from many cities throughout the United States. For the next six years until the illness Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) prevented her from doing so, she was in great demand to speak in person and on radio and television all over the United States to challenge young business women to reach their greatest potential. She was also invited to go to China to represent the businesswomen of the United States to visit with Chinese women counterparts on a sixteen-day trip to four cities. Her illness prevented her from accepting this outstanding invitation. Before the onset of RSD, she was a very active member of the former East Lake Baptist Church. Throughout the years, she served as Church Historian, Training Union Director, Associate Sunday School Director, Department Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, and Young Peoples Director both Single and Married. While working in these capacities, she pursued her life-long desire to help other people through soul-winning, caring and counseling. She wrote a book on the History of East Lake Baptist Church on its 50th Anniversary. She also wrote and produced many outstanding religious dramas, including a historical pageant, Christmas pageant, and two Easter pageants, for which she received nationwide acclaim. Until her death, she was actively involved in the Ridgedale Baptist Churchs Outreach Ministry at the East Ridge Retirement Center and was also a longtime member of the American Business Women's Association. Even though she suffered with a constant level of pain for over 30 years, and the RSD limited her physical activities, she never lost her desire to help others in every way she could. She used the telephone, cards, and notes to bless the hearts of more than one hundred residents at the Independent Living Retirement Center where she lived. She was preceded in death by her husband, V. L. Ingle; sisters, Wanda Wilson and Helen Driscoll; and brothers, J. T. Wilson and Harold Wilson. Survivors include sister-in-law, Ann Wilson, of Chattanooga; and nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. A special thank you to all the wonderful caregivers who brought such joy and comfort to Nadine during her last days. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at the funeral home. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11th at the funeral home with Rev. Tommy Clay officiating. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Ridgedale Baptist Church. Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 404 S. Moore Road. Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.