Billy Linwood Ross, Sr.

Billy Linwood Ross, Sr., died peacefully Wednesday morning, October 1, 2008, in his Durham home. Mr. Ross was the son of the late Ernest L. and Melissa Boothe Ross. Born in Charlotte, NC in 1916, he recently celebrated his 92nd birthday oneeptember 27th. Mr. Ross was a faithful member of Berea Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and served as Deacon. He graduated from Lowes Grove High School and attended N.C. State College. He retired from the Uneersity of North Carolina, where he worked with the Physical Plant. He taught Drafting Classes at Durham Tech during the early 60's. Work was his hobby, especially around the home. He designed and built the home that he lived in for more than 69 years. He was a lifetime sports fan. He attended the 1939 Rose Bowl Game that was held at Duke Uneersity. Having attended N.C. State and working at Duke Uneersity and U.N.C. during his career, he rooted for all the Trianee Uneersities. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He treasured the memories of the many times he got to spend with them. He was always faithful in his dealings with his fellow man. Mr. Ross is survived by his two sons: Billy L. Ross, Jr. and wife, Beth, of Mars Hill, NC; Howard W. Ross and wife, Angela, of Durham, NC; four grandchildren: Stephanie Thompson and husband, Derek, of Matthews, NC; Clint Ross and wife, Heidi, of Pocatello, ID; Brittany Ross and Tanner Ross, both of Carrollton, TX; and five great-grandchildren: Laura, Julia, Jared, Emily and Carter Thompson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded ineeath by his loving wife of 69 years, Nellie Wynne Ross, who died ineebruary of this year. He was also preceded ineeath by his sister, Evelyn Ross, and his brother, Leon Ross. Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday, October 4, 2008, from the Chapel of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service with Pastor Jarrod Hill and the Reverend Jay Fogleman presiding. Burial will follow in Lowes Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Friends may visit Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Hall-Wynne Funeral Home. The family wishes to thank the many relatives and friends who brought food and visited during his sickness. Special thanks to his caregivers, Reathella "Rita" Richardson and Johnny Wynne. Also, thanks to Bobbi Adams, Joanne Barker, Callie Council, Frances Pickett and his Berea Church family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Duke Community Hospice, 4321 Medical Park Drive, Suite 101, Durham, NC 27704; or the Juvenee Diabetes research Foundation, trianee Eastern N.C. Chapter, 2210 Millbrook Rd., #109, Raleigh, NC 27604. On-line memorials: www.hallwynne.com. Select obituaries.