Author · Blogger · Podcaster
Published his first story at 80. Now 87 — and he’s just getting started.
H.D. Ingles is proof it’s never too late to start. Born in 1939 in Huntington, West Virginia — the youngest of seven, and the only boy — he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1962 before building a long career as a Senior Programmer at IBM. It wasn’t until his 80s, after decades in the corporate world, that he picked up a pen for the first time — and discovered he had stories to tell.
Now 87 and living in Cary, North Carolina, Ingles shares front-porch humor, Appalachian heritage, and nostalgic slices of American life with readers on Facebook and at HDIngles.com, in a voice readers compare to Mark Twain, Lewis Grizzard, and Andy Rooney — and he’s ramping blog posts back up on the website alongside his regular Facebook updates. His 14th book, American Memories: Stories of Heritage, Humor, and Home, is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook.
Along the way, Ingles has built a following of nearly 40,000 readers on Facebook — and personally replies to every single comment.
Story Angles
- The late bloomer: Didn’t publish a word until 80. His story is living proof that a creative second act can start at any age.
- The veteran humorist: A U.S. Air Force veteran (1958–1962) whose military years still surface in his writing today.
- 40,000 readers and growing: A devoted Facebook following built on small-town Appalachian roots and old-fashioned storytelling — now expanding with a return to regular blog posts on HDIngles.com.
- He actually replies: In an era of automated engagement, Ingles personally answers every comment from his readers.
- American nostalgia, told firsthand: At 87, he’s a living link to mid-century small-town America — and he’s writing it all down before it’s gone.
Fast Facts
- Age: 87
- Hometown: Huntington, WV
- Now based in: Cary, NC
- Military: U.S. Air Force veteran (1958–1962)
- Career: Former IBM Senior Programmer
- Publishing debut: Age 80
- Book: American Memories: Stories of Heritage, Humor, and Home (paperback / ebook / audiobook)
- Facebook: ~40,000 followers
- Publishes on: Facebook & HDIngles.com blog
- Website: HDIngles.com
Now Booking Interviews
Available for podcast, radio, and print features — especially around American Memories: Stories of Heritage, Humor, and Home.
Media Contact
Teresa Williams, Acumental Creative
acumentalcreative@gmail.com