Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Sherman Lee Ross, was born on February 24, 1941 in Tams, West Virginia, the thirteenth of seventeen children born to Thomas J. and Gracie Wade Ross. He was called to his heavenly reward on Saturday, September 24, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter (Kim Ross), eleven brothers, three sisters and two grandchildren.

Sherman attended public school and later graduated from Byrd Prillerman School where he was a two time all starter in football and basketball. Ross served in the U.S. Army and also boxed at 175 lbs. and never lost a bout. He returned to the area and became an all-American at Bluefield College. He graduated from Bluefield College and then spent several years playing football in Charleston, Canton, Philadelphia and finally for the Pottstown (Pa.) Firebirds. He worked for the Railroad in Philadelphia, Lee Norris and Raleigh County Board of Education where he retired at the age of 62. He was also a 32nd degree Mason. Sherman loved young people and ran the Youth Center on "G" Street. He enjoyed mentoring young people to make the right decisions and got great joy when they returned to say, "Thank you, Mr. Ross." He was known as an avid supporter of Woodrow Wilson athletics.

He was a member of Faith Temple of Deliverance Church, where he served as Deacon for over 35 years. He devoted his life to God, family, community service and the development of young people.

Left to cherish his precious memories are his loving wife of 38 years, Pamela; son Dwight Jackson of Beckley, WV; two daughters, Kimberly Shivers of Summerville, SC and Natasha (Jeratt) Merrell of Summerville, SC; brother Houston (Janice) Ross of Columbus, OH; sister, Martha (John) Dowling of Brooklyn, NY; seven grand-children, four great- grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and an abundance of friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00 P.M. Monday, October 3, 2016, at Heart of God Ministries, 1703 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV with Bishop Bobby Tunstalle and Bishop Fred T. Simms officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church.

Condolences may be emailed to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley, WV.