Life and Legacy
Mr. Willie Sears Ross was born December 7, 1928 to the parents of John and Addie Adams Ross in Sparta, Georgia. Along with older brother, John Wiley and sister/cousin Mamie Burton, the family lived in old Sandy Run/Brown Chapel Community. Sport, as he was more commonly known, joined Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church as a child. He was educated at Sandy Run School and, as was customary during that time, graduated high school in the 11th grade from Linton Stephens Ingraham High School.
After working with his father cutting crossties for the railroad and pulp wooding, Sport joined the United States Army in 1950. He served along with fellow homeboys Eddie Knox, Jimmy Ransom, Joseph “Pep” Ruff, Milton Smith, Sterling “Rat” Smith, and Leroy Walls until 1952.
In the late 1950’s, Sport moved to Lakeland, Florida. He retired from IMC Global after 30 years of service in the early 1990’s. Never being a person to sit around doing nothing, Sport started Ross and Adams Lawn Services immediately after retiring. Having recovered from surgery on his 89th birthday in 2017, Sport continued to work until he decided to come back home in November 2019. To honor his legacy, Ross Boys Lawn Care Services operates in Sparta under the ownership of two grandsons.
Sport transitioned to his Heavenly Home to join his parents and siblings on August 6, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospice House, Watkinsville, GA.
Sport leaves to cherish a lifetime of precious memories: Children: Williemae (Marvin) Leslie and Alisa Ross Grandchildren: Dontaye, Keesha, Trevis, Jon, Monteneco, Shedrick, and Ashley Great grands: Shatravia, Trevis Jr, Brianna, Justin, Daezhon, Tarjhae, Jameria, Taylor, Jade, Cloe, Angel, Bryrce, Zharia, Tyler, and Carnell III Great Great Grand: Aubree Niece and Nephews: Bertha, Major, Nazarene Bonus Children: Douglas, Patricia, Rhonda(d.), Leon(d.), Elbert, Patty, Napolean, and Felicia
www.dawsonsmortuary.com
Services entrusted to Dawson’s Mortuary ~98 Hopgood St. Warrenton, GA
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