A longtime attorney in Mobile, Inge was a Shareholder at Maynard Cooper & Gale. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1971, attended the University of Alabama School of Law where he received his law degree in 1974, and attended the New York University School of Law in 1974-1975, where he received his Masters in Tax Law. Upon graduation, he returned to Mobile and joined Vickers, Riis, Murray, & Curran, and was in the continuous practice of law since that time.
Affectionately known as “Big Zeb” by his grandchildren, he was a lover of history, music, books, and all things Mobile. He enjoyed spending summers at Pt. Clear, and for many years was a competitive sailor racing Star boats. He was also an avid golfer – equally devoted to both the game and the camaraderie. He was a connoisseur of good food, its culture and history, as well as being an incredible cook. He was renowned for his storytelling abilities and his keen wit and sense of humor.
He served a number of years as a trustee of the Julius T. Wright School for Girls (1981-1988), as Chairman of the board in 1988, where he was instrumental in the merger with UMS. He then served as a trustee of UMS-Wright Preparatory School (1988-1996).
He served at various times as a director of the Exploreum, the Country Club of Mobile, and the Mobile Opera. He was a member of several Mardi Gras and Mystic Societies.
He was loved by and will be missed by a wide circle of friends and family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Denise Brunson Inge; son, Zebulon Montgomery Pike Inge III, his parents, Zebulon Montgomery Pike Inge and Mary Jane Slaton Inge. He is survived by a large extended family of Inges and Slatons, including his brothers, Crawford Slaton Inge and James Tunstall Inge (Frances), his sister Mary Jane Inge Tingle (Charlie); three children, Helen Jemison Inge, Anne-Marie Waterman Inge (Jay Howser), and Thaddeus Waterman Inge (Annie); step-daughter, Summer Rishel Jacobs (Ross); and six grandchildren, Thaddeus Harrison Pradella Inge, Mary Jane Slaton Howser, Andrew Pike Inge, Rose Nolan Inge, Craig Ross Jacobs Jr., and Harris Robert Jacobs. The family expresses a special thank you to Thomas Marsh for his devoted kindness.
In the words of Janis Joplin, ”I’m gonna miss you, Zeb-baby.”
Visitation will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the Church Parish Hall from 5 pm – 7 pm on July 16, and funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church from 10 am – 11 am on July 17. Internment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Community Foundation of South Alabama.