* OFFICIAL Obituary Release from Regional Memorial Cremation and Funeral Services: https://www.regionalmemorialcremations.com/obituary/Tony-RossSr?utm_campaign=marquee-share-button&utm_term=copy-link&utm_content=Family
It is with great sadness that the family of Mr. Tony L. Ross, announce his untimely passing on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, after a brief illness, at the age of 86.
Beloved Family Man
Mr. Ross is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mrs. Alice L. Earl Ross, and his three children: James P. Taylor, Tony L. Ross, Jr., and Shena Marie Ross-Fortson. His enduring legacy lives on through his five cherished grandchildren—Shawn L. Ross, Andrew M. Ross-Fortson, Austin R. Ross-Fortson, Aaron C. Ross-Fortson, and Alyson S. Ross-Tucker—and one treasured great-grandchild, Autumn Milan Ross-Tucker.
Mr. Ross was preceded in death by his parents, John H. Ross and Juanita Dixon Ross, as well as eight siblings.
Early Life and Career
Tony, Sr. was born in 1938 in Abingdon, Virginia, as the youngest of nine siblings. In 1959, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning an extraordinary journey in Computer Science. His commitment to education culminated in earning a degree in Applied Science from New York University in 1976.
In 1964, he married Alice L. Earl in New York City, and together they created a life rich with love and laughter across various locations including New York, Tennessee, Maryland, and Virginia Beach, before recently establishing their final residence in North Carolina to be closer to immediate family.
A Life of Passion and Connection
Mr. Ross was a devoted computer coder and programmer; however, his interests transcended far beyond the digital world. He found immense joy on the golf course and in bowling, where he embraced the challenges that both sports offered. His passion for bowling was particularly special, as it was a shared activity with his beloved wife, Alice.
Tony’s love for strategy also extended to chess, a passion he shared with his grandsons, while encouraging them to develop their own interests in the game that would endure over time.
His enthusiasm for genealogy, literature, and the arts flourished through a close relationship with his daughter, Shena. Together, they nurtured a profound appreciation for theater, classic literature, and poetry, enriching their lives with shared experiences and discussions about these subjects.
In addition to these pursuits, Mr. Ross forged a unique bond with his two sons James and Tony, Jr. Through their mutual passion for music, they collaborated to create beautiful melodies that not only showcased their creativity but also strengthened their familial connections, leaving behind a legacy filled with artistic expression and affection.
A Cherished Legacy
Tony was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. His unwavering commitment to learning from those around him left an indelible impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. The insights, passion, and wisdom he shared will continue to motivate his family and all whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Final Arrangements
In accordance with his wishes, following his passing, Mr. Ross was cremated. In the coming weeks, the family will hold a small memorial. Mr. Ross will be interred at a local Veterans National Cemetery in North Carolina, TBA.
The family appreciates your patience and understanding as they navigate this challenging period of profound loss.
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FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Ross Family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated specialists, doctors, nurses, and support staff who provided exceptional care for our beloved family member during his time of need. We would like to specifically acknowledge and thank the following organizations:
FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care - Moore County - The Hospice House (West End, NC)
Your compassionate care and support made a profound difference in our loved one’s final days. The kindness and professionalism exhibited by your team will always be remembered.
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital (Pinehurst, NC)
We are deeply grateful for the skilled medical attention and unwavering support provided by the staff at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. Your commitment to excellence in patient care was evident throughout our family’s experience.
First Health Moore Regional Hospital - Richmond (Rockingham, NC)
Thank you for your dedication and the quality of care that you provided. Your efforts ensured that our family member received the best possible treatment during a challenging time.
Humana Home Care
We appreciate the home care services that allowed our loved one to remain comfortable and dignified in their own environment. Your team’s compassion and expertise were invaluable to us.
To all of these organizations and their remarkable staff, we extend our sincerest thanks for your tireless efforts and dedication. Your impact on our family during this difficult time will not be forgotten.
Guestbook
Rest In Peace uncle Tony 🌹.
Lynda Fuller sends their condolences.
Ohhh the times “you”,Jack and I had !!!
The good times that we shared will always be treasured in my heart. You will truly be missed “Uncle Tony” gone but always remembered. Gerald and Beverly Belin
He will be missed. Sleep in Peace Uncle Tony.
Tia Moran sends their condolences.
Shena planted a tree for Tony.
Lachelle Hinton sends their condolences.
In all your getting, get a good understanding. Thinking of and thanking Mr Ross for his wisdom, he truly will be missed but NEVER Forgotten.
Francette Thorpe sends their condolences.
The Family of the late Haseltine (Ross) Williams of Morristown, TN sends our sincere prayers and condolences.
Danyelle Williams sends their condolences.
Tony was best friends with my dad, so he was considered my Uncle to me. Growing up, we all hung out together as a family. The parties that they had were some of the best times ever. Tony had this laugh that very unique and only he can do it. Tony and my dad use to bowl together and were very competitive. My mom had her 70th birthday party at he and Alice’s house and we partied all night. Tony was one of the best men I knew and will be missed dearly.
To my in-laws - My heart is filled with sorrow for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In this time of grief and sadness, I pray you find solace in the love and support of your family and friends, as well as in the cherished moments you shared together with him. Know that his spirit and legacy will forever live on through the love and wisdom he passed onto you and may his love continue to guide your path. Please remember that you are not alone in your grief and that we are always here for you during this difficult time.
We’ll always remember that special smile, That caring heart, and the warm embrace you always gave us. You being there for us through good and bad times, No matter what, we’ll always remember you Dad They’ll never be another one to replace you in our hearts, And the love we will always have for you.
The measure of a person’s value can be judged by the impact their life has had on others. I cannot adequately quantify the impact your life has had on mine. You and your wife produced a wonderful daughter whom I was lucky to find and begin a journey of life, love, and the continual blessing of a beautiful family. I can bear witness to the values and outlook on life she exhibits every day. I continue to be blessed with the gift of life you and your wife provided me with your beautiful daughter. For this I am forever grateful. Thank you and may you receive eternal blessings.
1/11/24 - A Loving Tribute to My Father Dear Dad, As I sit down to write this, my heart feels heavy with the weight of your absence. You were not just my father; you were my greatest teacher, my confidant, and my inspiration. Your love for literature and storytelling shaped who I am today. From our countless evenings spent lost in the pages of great novels to our spirited discussions about poetry and philosophy, every moment we shared was a treasure that I will carry with me forever. I often find myself reflecting on the moments we shared that truly defined our bond, especially those times when we immersed ourselves in the world of music and drama. I vividly remember when you took Mom and me to see “Purple Rain” when it first hit theaters in 1984. The excitement in the air was palpable, and as we watched Prince’s electrifying performance unfold on screen, I could feel your enthusiasm radiating through every note. It wasn’t just a movie; it was an experience that brought us together, igniting our love for music and performance. Years later, you treated the entire family to see “Ray,” and once again, we were captivated by the power of storytelling through music. Watching the portrayal of Ray Charles’ life come alive on screen, I felt your presence beside me, sharing in the awe of his talent and resilience. Those moments were more than just outings; they were lessons in appreciation for the arts and how they can connect us deeply. Our time in high school drama classes is another cherished memory that highlights our connection. You encouraged me to explore my creativity and express myself freely. Through your words of wisdom and life experiences, you taught me not only to appreciate art but also to find my voice within it. Your passion for stories extended beyond the written word; you had a gift for weaving tales that brought history and imagination together. I will always cherish our in-person and cellphone conversations where sometimes we explored deep philosophical questions and pondered the meaning of life. You encouraged me to think critically and embrace curiosity, instilling in me a love for learning that will never fade. Though you are no longer with us, your spirit lives on in every story told, every poem recited, and every play performed. I promise to honor your memory by continuing to share our love for literature and art with others. You will be missed more than words can express, but I find comfort in knowing that your legacy will endure through all those whose lives you touched. Thank you for being such an incredible father. I love you always. With all my love, Your Daughter, Shena Marie
Monday, November 11, 2024 (Veterans Day)A Loving Tribute to My Beloved Husband Dear Friends and Family, As I sit down to write this, my heart is heavy with the loss of my beloved husband, who left us at the age of 86 after sharing an incredible 60 years of marriage. Our journey together has been filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories that I will hold close to my heart forever. We met in a bowling alley in the Bronx, New York, brought together by mutual friends. Little did we know that this chance encounter would lead to a beautiful life together. From our first game on the lanes to our last road trip, every moment spent with him was a treasure. We shared a passion for bowling, often teaming up and celebrating each strike and spare as if they were monumental victories. Those evenings spent laughing and competing side by side are some of my fondest memories. Traveling was another joy we embraced wholeheartedly. Our long road trips allowed us to explore new places and create unforgettable experiences with each other and our beloved children and grandchildren. Whether it was a quick weekend getaway or an extended adventure across the country, every journey was filled with love and discovery. Together, we built a family that continues to grow and thrive. Our children have become wonderful adults who carry forward the values we instilled in them: love, kindness, and resilience. Watching them raise their own families has been one of my greatest joys; our grandchildren bring light into our lives in ways I never imagined possible. As I reflect on our life together, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for every moment we shared. He was not just my husband but my best friend, my partner in crime, and my greatest supporter. His laughter still echoes in my heart, his smile remains etched in my memory, and his love will forever be a guiding light in my life. Thank you all for being here today to celebrate his remarkable life. Your support means the world to me during this difficult time. With all my love, ~ Alice, Your beloved wife.
Shena planted a grove of 3 trees for Tony.