William Edward Ross

August 14, 1956 - July 24, 2017

William Edward Ross, Sr, age 60 of Walton, Kentucky, passed away Monday, July 24, 2017 at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. He was born August 14, 1956 in Cincinnati, Ohio and lived his entire life in the Northern Kentucky area.  Bill, as he preferred to be called, was retired, and a full-time husband, father and papaw.

Bill graduated Boone County High School (Florence, Kentucky) in 1975. Bill was an avid softball player and golfer for many years.  Friends and family will remember Bill as a huge fan of Cincinnati Reds baseball, Cincinnati Bengals Football, University of Kentucky basketball and South Laurel High School Soccer.  Bill believed in loving life and his family.  Bill will also be remembered for his huge smile, infectious laugh and crazy dance moves.

Bill was diagnosed with stage three esophageal cancer in 2015. Despite all odds, he received a miracle from God and was healed and completely cancer free in March of 2016.  He believed this was God giving him a second chance at life and wanted to make it count.  Bill spent his time helping whoever he could, however he could.  He had a heart for helping children who were in need.  Bill was a long-time member at New Bethel Baptist in Verona, Kentucky, more recently Hickory Grove Baptist in Independence, Kentucky.  He also participated in many ministry opportunities at First Baptist Church London and other Christian ministries.

Bill is survived by his wife of 39 years, Marsha Leek Ross; three children, Julie Ross Rea (Houston) of London, Bill Ross, Jr (Ryanne) of Villa Hills, Kentucky, and Jill Ross of Walton, Kentucky;  three beloved grandchildren, Isaiah Jonathan Rea, Cooper Jackson Ross, and Jordyn Olivia Ross; two brothers; Jerry Ross (Melissa), Vic Ross (Vicki); four sisters Debbie Russell (Phil), Linda Cornet, Janet Vest, and Jean Ross (Zack).  He also leaves behind a host of dearly loved nieces, nephews, family and friends to mourn his passing.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Helen Jones Ross, his father and mother-in-law Walter and Billie Jean Black Leek.

The family will receive friends from 11:00AM until 2:00PM, Monday, July 31, 2017 at New Bethel Baptist Church in Verona. A celebration of Bill’s life will follow at 2:00PM with long-time family friend Dr. Michael Cabell officiating.  Interment will follow at New Bethel Baptist Cemetery in Verona.

Casket bearers will be Bill Ross, Jr., Houston Rea, Dean Tolliver, Ron Kirk, Wayne Powers, Rob Bowling, Tony Leek, and Randy Doll. Honorary casket bearers will be Isaiah Rea, Cooper Ross, and Jordyn Ross.

To honor Bill’s love for children and deep desire to help children in need memorial donations are suggested to the Children’s Department at New Bethel Baptist Church (Verona, Kentucky), the Children’s Department at First Baptist Church (London, Kentucky), or Larry’s Kids Foundation (c/o Walton-Verona High School).