George D. Ross, Jr. [UPDATED] | Eastern North Carolina Now

    George Delma Ross, Jr., age 86, of St. Clair's Creek, Bath, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the home of his son, surrounded by his family. Farming was his life and he believed in hard work and keeping things moving. He had a great drive for success, which took him from a John Deere Model L to a John Deere 8360R tractor. He loved his family and had a special relationship with each and every one of them.

    George was born on January 31, 1928, the son of George Delma Ross, Sr. and Bessie White Ross. He graduated from Bath High School. He was the beloved husband of Madge Jordan Ross, who preceded him in death on September 1, 2012. He was a lifetime member of the St. Clair's Church of Christ, serving as a Deacon and then Elder as long as his health permitted.

    He leaves behind five children and their spouses: Jennifer Ross Sawyer (Kenneth) of Charlotte, Janet Ross Courson (Reid) of Bath, George Delma "Buddy" Ross, III (Lynn) of Bath, Laurie Ross Smith (Dennie) of Bath, and Lisa Ross Duke (Joey) of Bath.

    He leaves thirteen grandchildren: Jonathan Evans of Jefferson Hills, PA; Tamara Shahbazi (Shariq) of Buford, GA; Zach Courson of Cheyenne, WY; Peter Courson of Bath; Jenny Modlin (Ed) of Jamesville; Sara Ross of Bath; Emily Chancellor (Will) of Winterville; Maggie Potter (Michael) of Bath; Nathan Smith of Washington; Natalie Hichak (Tim) of Sneads Ferry; Nicole Ham (Wesley) of Washington; Meredith Mobley (Aaron) of Washington; and Jacob Duke of Bath; and two great-grandchildren: Raafay and Zyra Shahbazi of Buford, GA.

    He is survived by one sister, Betsy Ross Kelley of Gilbert, AZ and one niece, Maura Kelley of Los Angeles, CA.

    Pallbearers for the service will be his grandsons: Jonathan Evans, Zach Courson, Peter Courson, Nathan Smith, and Jacob Duke; and husbands of granddaughters: Ed Modlin, Will Chancellor, Michael Potter, Wesley Ham, Tim Hichak, and Aaron Mobley.

    The funeral will be held at St. Clair's Church of Christ, Bath, on Saturday, July 19, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. with Craig Hagen officiating. Visitation will be at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2014. Visitors will also be received at the home of Buddy and Lynn Ross, at 10134 NC Hwy 99 South, Bath.

    Contributions in George's memory can be made to St. Clair's Church of Christ – Parking Lot Fund, 9814 NC Hwy 99 South, Bath, NC 27808.

    A special thanks to the staff at Community Home Care and Hospice and Golden Way Home Care, who cared for George with kindness and patience in the final months of his life.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family and Mr. George's video tribute may be viewed by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Ross family.