Gene Thomas Ross, 90, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2020 after an extended illness. His family are grateful to FirstHealth Hospice for the loving care that they provided during this period.
Gene is survived by his wife Sue Ross, his brother William (Betty), his children Terri Rando (Joseph) of East Stroudsburg, PA, Thomas Ross (Kimberlee) of Mebane, NC, and Kristen Bonoyer of Hope Mills, NC, as well as his loving grandchildren, Kristen Mode, Michael Mode, Joseph Rando, Emma Ross, Karl Ross, Madison Czerepak, Nicole Pell and Frank Rando.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jacob Boyd and Margaret Ellett Ross, brothers Neville and Jack, his Aunt and Uncle Esther and William Taylor, and his beloved first wife and mother to his children, Joan Messimer Ross.
Gene was born June 11, 1929 in Ashville, NC. His mother passed when he was only 9 months old. He then went to Crewe, VA, where he was raised by his Aunt Esther and his mother’s family. He spent summer with his father and older brothers. When he was young, Gene survived what was thought to be childhood Leukemia. He was treated with harsh chemicals that may have saved his life but which caused him health problems later in his life.
Growing up in Crewe, Gene caddied at the local golf club where he developed his lifelong love of the game. This eventually brought him to Pinehurst.
After high school he attended Mars Hill College in Western, NC. After graduation, he was drafted and served briefly in the Army just as the Korean War ended. Upon his returning to Crewe, he married Joan.
He took a job soon thereafter with the Deluxe Check Corporation where he advanced rapidly and eventually retired in 1984 as Marketing Vice President. Most of his years with Deluxe were spent in New Jersey where he and Joan raised their children, made lifelong friends, and continued their love of golf and entertaining as members of the Upper Montclaire Country Club.
After retirement, Gene and Joan moved to Pinehurst to continue their pursuit and passion for golf. They also maintained a small home on Crystal Lake near Crewe for family to enjoy, making many lasting memories. Throughout his life he remained intensely loyal to the extended family and friends in Crewe who had raised him from infancy. In Pinehurst, he was a Tin Whistle member and also helped organize a large PCC golf group which thirty years later continues to play three days a week.
After Joan passed Gene met and soon married Sue Aldridge. Sue became his love and partner in life and quickly adjusted to Pinehurst life and his wide circle of friends. They are members of Pinehurst Presbyterian Church.
Gene Ross was the ultimate “Virginia Gentleman”, polite, considerate, and always putting the needs and comfort of others ahead of his own. His warm personality and great sense of humor made for him countless lifelong friends wherever he went. He will be terribly missed by all of them. To his family, he will always be remembered as their loving and devoted husband, father and grandpa.
Due to these unusual circumstances, no service is planned at this time. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene’s memory may be made to FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 150 Applecross Rd. Pinehurst, NC 28374.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.
