Roy Earl Ross, aged 88, of Leesburg, Florida, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on August 29th, 2024. Born in Buffalo, New York, he was the son of Raymond A. and Clara Landseadel Ross, and the cherished stepson of Oleta Johnson Ross following Clara’s death.
The son of a dairy farmer and raised in western New York, Roy grew up with a keen interest in farming and agriculture and was actively involved in Future Farmers of America during his teen years. After graduating high school in 1954, Roy soon relocated to Labelle, Florida, with his parents.
Roy proudly served as an active-duty radar & weather system specialist in the U.S. Air Force before marrying the love of his life, Jean Arlen Walker of Ortona, Florida in 1959. Following their wedding, they enjoyed a one-day honeymoon on Florida’s space coast before Roy reported to his new job the following Monday. Roy spent the next 37 years as a quality engineer in the metrology laboratory at what would eventually become Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control in Orlando, Florida, a career he passionately loved.
In retirement, Roy and Jean relocated to Leesburg, Florida. They spent the next 15 years traveling the country and enjoying quality time with their beloved extended family in the Ozark mountains of northwest Arkansas. A farmer at heart, Roy enjoyed working his land, tending a sizable garden, and sharing his crops with friends and family in the area. In addition, Roy loved memorializing occasions, formal and informal alike, with photographs for which his family will be forever grateful. Because of Roy’s pictures, countless precious memories will always be remembered.
Roy was an active member of Calvary Assembly of God in Winter Park, Florida for over 55 years.
Roy is preceded in death by his wife, Jean Arlen Ross, his daughter, Jennifer, and his brother, Vernon Ross. He is survived by his son, James (Elizabeth) Ross and step-grandchildren Alakai, Noa, and Eli; sister-in-law Juanita Collier; brother-in-law Earl Fussell, and his many close cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. All of these he loved and touched deeply.
Please join us in honoring Roy’s life. A memorial service will be held at Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home, Eustis, on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. James and Elizabeth will receive friends and family from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be held at Ortona Cemetery, Moore Haven, on September 6, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., with a funeral repast immediately following at Riverfront Grill in Moore Haven.
