Funeral services for Earnest Ralph Ross, age 70, of Leland will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 20 at First Baptist Church, Leland. He died Wednesday, January 17 at Baptist Memorial East Hospital in Memphis. Burial will follow in the Leland-Stoneville Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Leland.
Ralph was born in Greenville, Mississippi. After graduation from Leland High School, he attended Mississippi Delta Community College. He then served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist and served a year in Vietnam. After his discharge, he returned to Leland and earned a Bachelor and a Masters Degree from Delta State University. Ralph worked his entire adult life as a counselor at Mississippi Delta Community College until retirement. He was an avid gardener and loved golfing and fishing with 2 of his closest buddies. The three of them were known to everyone as “the three amigos.” Ralph was kind-hearted and quick witted and enjoyed nothing more than a good laugh. He cherished his family, especially his grandson, Luke, who was his heart and shared his birthday with “Papa.” Ralph cared deeply for everyone, including many 4-legged friends.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Judy Berry Ross; daughter, Kelly L. Ross; and grandson, Luke Ross all of Leland; mother, Wanda H. Ross of Greenville; and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews; and a host of wonderful friends.
A visitation will be held one hour before services at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Leland or a charity of the donor’s choice.