J. R. Ross

Obituary For J. R. Ross

Mr. J. R. Ross of Shelby, NC peacefully departed his life on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his family. A native of Cleveland County, he was born on January 29, 1940 to the late Dora Anna May Johnson and was raised by Julius “Bert” H. Ross and his father the late, Pastor George Williams.

J.R. was a dedicated member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Shelby, NC until his health declined. He was employed for over 50 years as a professional brick mason. J.R. was a people person who never met a stranger. A natural comedian, he enjoyed telling jokes and making people laugh. He was also a God-fearing man, who always tried to teach his children and grandchildren what was right. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing and listening to gospel music as well as getting together with his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Lena Little Ross; his daughters, Vivian Ross Knox and Deborah Ann Ross; a son, Bobby Dean Ross; two granddaughters, Cameo Watson and Vivian Mackenzie Surratt; brothers, Burdell Ross, Jethro Ross, Julius Ross, Jimmy Ross, William James Ross and Steve Ross; half-brother, James Arthur Williams; step-brother, James “Tank” Williams and seven sisters, Betsy Ross Young, Sharon Ross Key, Virginia Ross Martin, Mary Ross Moore, Coreen Ross Ray, Margret Ross and Viola Johnson.

He is survived by his five children, Tammy Ross Falls (Tony) of Kings Mountain, NC, Rodney Ross (Joann) of Shelby, NC, Teresa Ross Watson (Kenny) also of Kings Mountain and Darlene Ross (Tico) of Grover, NC, Kim Cumberland of Gaffney, SC; three granddaughters who were raised in the home, Maricara Knox Montgomery (William) of Waco, NC, Melody Jade Knox and Melisha Page Knox both of Kings Mountain; four additional granddaughters, Raven Jennifer McDowell of Grover, NC, Sadé Smith and Madison Jewel Smith both of Kings Mountain, NC and Kayleigh Sierra Ross of Shelby; five grandsons, Kenny Raheem Watson, Robert Bishop Watson, Bobby O’Neal Watson, Issac Westley Watson of Kings Mountain and Rodgie Logan Ross of Shelby; twelve great-grandchildren, Lyndon Lauren Fullove, Kenny Raheem “R.J.” Watson, Jr., Harlem Watson, Zayden Watson, Ryder Burris, Jermany Bullock, Furious Cage Bullock, King Watson all of Kings Mountain, Paris Montgomery, Landon Montgomery, Kennedy Montgomery of Waco, NC and Gionni Smith of Grover; three sisters, Nancy May Bridges, Karen Ross Thurman (Lloyd) and Tilly Ross Hunt (Thomas); step-brother, Gary Hamrick; a very special companion, Rose Archie and a large host of nieces, nephews, as well as many other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 3:00 PM at S. T. Enloe Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2:30 PM until 3:00 PM at the chapel. In lieu of flower’s donations can be made to the Cleveland County Hospice House and the Diabetes Association. The Ross Family would like to thank Cleveland County Hospice House and the nurse’s there; Enloe Mortuary, and a special thanks to all of his neighbors and friends and Madison Park Apartments. Thank you as well to everyone who has helped, prayed for and shown their love and love support during our time of grief.