William Ross Obituary

ROSS, JR., William William Garlin Ross, Jr. died on Sunday morning, April 16, 2006, after an extended illness. He was 73. He was born October 5, 1932 in Blackville, South Carolina, the eldest son of William Garlin Red Ross, Sr. and Azilee Miles Ross, both now deceased. The family moved to North Charleston during the early years of World War II and remained in the area. Educated in local schools, he was a 1950 graduate of North Charleston High School, later attending the University of South Carolina in Columbia and the Citadel in Charleston. While at the University of South Carolina, he became involved with two new interests, Gamecock sports and the Republican Party. He assisted in many political campaigns and fund raising efforts for candidates both local and nationwide. At one time he served as Chairman for the Berkeley County Republican Party. He was a sustaining member of the Republican National Committee. After high school graduation and a brief time of work at a local factory, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After training at Parris Island he was transferred to South Korea for a period of fifteen months. During this tour of service he achieved the rank of Sergeant and was awarded numerous medals and ribbons. In 2003 he and other local men, who served in Korea, received a special letter of Commendation and medal from the Korean government in Commemoration of the 50thAnniversary of the signing of the Armistice. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps in 1955. Upon his return from Korea he was married on June 19, 1954 to Shirley Dobbins of N. Charleston. This union produced two sons who survive him. They are Christopher Chris E. Ross and wife, Paula of Hanahan and William Bill G. Ross, III and wife, Rachel of N. Charleston. Also two devoted foster daughters, Kathryn Rawlins Smith and husband, Raymond of Hanahan and Martha Clark Bevins and husband, David of Ladson. His special blessings were his grandchildren, Aaron William Ross of Hanahan, JayCee Kaitlin Ross of Ladson and Alexandra and Rebecca Ross of N. Charleston. Although his main vocation was as a real estate appraiser for both Charleston County and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, he also worked for several years as a gate guard at the Yeamans Hall Club in Hanahan and as a volunteer for the Parks and Playground Department of both North Charleston and Hanahan. As a member of American Legion Post #59, he was involved in organizing a youth baseball tournament at the time of his stroke in 2004. It was a great disappointment that he was unable to see this activity through to completion. Also surviving are sisters, Sally R. Murray and husband, Glennie of Hanahan, Elizabeth Betsy R. Henson and husband, Michael of James Island and Gwendolyn Tiny Ross of N. Charleston. He was predeceased by a brother, James Angus Ross, whose widow, Bonnie B Ross resides in Hanahan. As a member of North Charleston First Baptist Church from boyhood, Mr. Ross served in many capacities through the years. These include Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Archives Chairman and Building Security team. Friends may call at J. HENRY STUHR, INC., NORTH AREA CHAPEL, 2119 Dorchester Road, this Tuesday evening from six until eight o'clock and at the church until the hour of the service. The Funeral Service will be at North Charleston First Baptist Church, Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at one o'clock, with the Reverend Daniel Johnston and Reverend Dr. Paul M. Pridgen officiating. Committal services will follow at Carolina Memorial Park with Military Honors. The family greatly appreciates the tender loving care provided to us by Lutheran Hospice. Memorials may be made to Lutheran Hospice, 900 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 or to the North Charleston First Baptist Church, 4217 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.