Roy Lee Ross

T H E   L I F E   &   T I M E S   O F   R O Y   L E E   R O S S

Roy Lee Ross was born on August 23, 1934 in Wright City, Oklahoma to John and Daisy Jones Ross. Roy, his brother, Johnny D. and his sisters, Lillie R. and Mattie S. were blessed to be nurtured by loving and caring parents who were highly respected among friends and neighbors in the community.

Roy was baptized and joined Pleasant Hill Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Irby. He was a 1952 graduate of Peake High School where he excelled as a student. He grew up to be a handsome and intelligent young man.

Two weeks after he graduate from high school, he enlisted in the United State Air Force and served until he was honorably discharged in 1956. Roy worked as a welder for Lockheed Martin for 32 years and never missed one day of work. He was very conservative and always offered words of wisdom.

He was a faithful member of Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a trustee. He was a lifelong member of the NAACP and contributed handsomely to its causes.

He enjoyed the simple pleasure that life offered. He enjoyed listening to his favorite gospel artist Mahalia Jackson and grilling. He was a gun enthusiast and collected several hand guns and rifles. He was a member of the National Rifle Association of America and was nominated to the NRA Legion of Honor.

Roy met and married Mary Henry and he later married Willie Hinkle.

On Wednesday, September 25, 2019 Roy surrendered his soul and now rests in the arms of the Almighty. He was preceded in transition by his parents, John Ross (1961) and Daisy Ross (1985); his son, Roger Ross (2011); his brother, Johnny D. Ross (1942); his sisters, Lillie R. Helms-McNeal (1996) and Mattie Sue Jamison (2014).

Roy leaves to his memory with his wife, Willie Hinkle Ross; his bonus children, Michael (Tina) Hess of Memphis, TN, Carl (Annie) Hess of Memphis, TN, Felecia Hess-Lobbins of Southaven, MS and Elizabeth (Lee) Hess-Gilliam of Bartlett, TN; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He also leaves his nephew, Julius (Juanita) Helms; two aunts, Jean Culmore of St. Louis, MO and Lucille Carter of Sparkman; a host of other relatives, his special friend, Charles Newborn and other friends, as well as, the Greater Pleasant Hill Church Family.

Services celebrating his life will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., eulogist. Interment will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens with military honors.

Pallbearers will be Freddy Carter, Emmanuel Carter, Michael Jones, Kenneth Jones, Freddie “Bennie” Preston, Cedric McKenzie. Honorary pallbearers will be the Trustees of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.