Lacy Earl Ross was born August 10, 1951 in Cumberland County to the union of the late Junious Thomas Ross and Gladys Ross Bryant. He was a graduate of Seventy-First High School and immediately moved to the Big Apple, New York City. After a brief stint in the city for a country boy, he returned to North Carolina and shortly met the love of his life, Rebecca Spinks. They were married May 8, 1971 in Asheboro, NC. To this union were born three daughters; Angela Ross-Ingram (Fernando), Gloria Diana Ross-Redmond-Deceased (Larry), and LaKeisha Ross-Johnson (Christopher). Later added to this union were daughters Shana Ross and Evelyn Pauley.

Lacy was a faithful member of St. Peter Baptist Church in Raeford, NC where he attended with his father. In addition, he also attended Reilly Road Church of God of Prophecy in Fayetteville, NC with his mother. After marrying Rebecca, he joined The Church of God of Prophecy on Cross Street in Asheboro, NC. Many great memories were made with friends and family, under the leadership of Bishop J.R Ricks. He was active in the singing and lay ministry, before accepting his first call as pastor in Bryson City, NC. Throughout his journey, he served in Ellerbe, NC, Lincolnton, NC, Greensboro, NC, and then back to Lincolnton, NC as his last call where he started an independent church- Lighthouse Praise & Worship Center.

Music and singing were a favorite pastime of Pastor Lacy. During his call in Ellerbe, NC he started the quartet group, The Spiritual Messengers. They were known all around the states of North and South Carolina, and recorded an album. He would often prelude his sermons with a serenade for the saints and postlude with, “I’m Going to Leave You In The Hands of The Lord.” He served with the Coalition of Churches since its inception, and was currently serving as treasurer. Pastor Lacy concluded his journey with over 40+ years of pastoral leadership.

"Rev" as he was affectionately called also worked for Lincoln County Schools. Over the years, many looked forward to being greeted with a wave and smile while admiring his clean bus. During his time with the school system, he served as chaplain to athletic teams, assistant to the administrator, and mentor to any students who needed him. He was also active with the NAACP, and was always ready and willing to advocate for underrepresented communities. He retired from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction with over 34 years of service.

Loved ones who preceded him in death were his father; Junious, mother; Gladys, daughter; Gloria Diana, brothers; Johnny, Donald, Thomas, and Floyd, and sister; Catherine.

Left to carry on his legacy are his wife Rebecca and daughter Evelyn of the home, daughters; Angela (Fernando)- Kernersville, NC, LaKeisha (Christopher)- Hickory, NC, and Shana- Winston-Salem, NC, grandchildren; DeAngelo, Daniel (Gregory), DyAngeliz, Cha, Lacyna, LaTayvia, Jeremiah, Rhiley, Emerie, and Ephraim, great grandchildren; Jirah, Jacoya, Nahzir, and Nova, God-children; Andrae’, Wanda, Carlos, Tony, and Robert, brothers; Pastor James (Hamlet) and Michael (Lynn), sisters; Carolyn (Frankie) and Gloria (James), Bryant-extended siblings; Mae, Jane, Brenda, Wanda, Elaine, Lisa, Regina, Gracie, George, Jeffrey, Lorenza, Emery, and Kenneth, special sister-in-laws; Marie and Patricia, and a host of family members, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances who all love and adore Pastor Lacy Earl Ross.

Funeral Service is Monday, November 27, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Discovery Church, Newton, North Carolina. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Asheboro, North Carolina. There will be a public walk through on Sunday from 3:00 pm. until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Funeral services entrusted to Ebony & White’s Funeral Service