Gingles, Carl E.

Age 86, born January 20th, 1922 to Dr. Hunter Watkins and Mabel Mercer Gingles. Dr. Gingles brought his wife and first child to Ann Arbor in 1949 as a young dentist. He earned a Master of Science degree in Prosthetics from the University of Michigan, taught part time at the dental school at various intervals and maintained a private practice on State St. for over 40 years. He was a devoted and active member of the First Presbyterian Church and was an early and strong supporter of the ECIR (Ecumenical Center & International Residence), which helps international students attending the U of M to acclimate to college life in a foreign land by providing well-located, low-cost, multi-cultural housing. In 1968 Dr. Gingles joined Rotary Club of Ann Arbor and remained an active member until his death, serving in several leadership roles in addition to traveling to Guatemala and Kenya with his wife in the capacity of a volunteer dentist under the sponsorship of Rotary International medical clinics. He also served as a volunteer dentist on extended missions with Project Hope in the 1960s to Peru and Columbia. He and his family hosted numerous students from many countries as residents in their home so they could attend the University of Michigan. He had a lifelong passion for promoting cultural exchange and humanitarianism. Dr. Gingles was a loyal patron of Ann Arbor's many cultural offerings including the Civic Theater and the University Musical Society. He was an avid conservationist and adventurer who enjoyed cultivating his gardens, walking in local parks and canoeing on the Huron River. He was also a scuba diver, skier, pilot and runner. He read extensively and traveled widely with his wife, Sue, to countries around the world with a great interest in people and culture. Dr. Gingles was raised in Harburley, KY, attended high school in nearby Hazard and graduated from Centre College, Danville, KY in 1942. At Centre he served as editor of the college newspaper. Following his graduation from the University of Louisville Dental School he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Navy from 1944-1947, stationed in Norfolk, VA. In 1946 he married Sue Craig Rochester, sister of his close college friend, Oswley Rochester, who perished at sea in 1944 while serving in the Air Force. He was a devoted family man and is survived by his wife Sue; his children Sallie Marsico (Robert), Cathy Hollingsworth (Richard), Bruce Gingles (Mary Ann) and Alice Sample (David); his grandchildren Ryan, Scott, Lisa and Stephen Sample; and his sister Grace Morgan. He died peacefully at his home on March 20th of lymphoma. He is remembered by his loving family and friends for his curiosity, intellect, optimism, and charity. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw Ave or the Ecumenical Center (ECIR), 921 Church St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or the charity of one's choice. Arrangements have been made by Muehlig Funeral Chapel (734-663-3375). A Memorial services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 5th at 2 pm.