Obituary for Martin "Marty" Carlton Ross
Martin “Marty” Carlton Ross, 88, of Rockingham, North Carolina passed away on January 17, 2023 due to heart failure at Richmond County Hospice Haven.
Marty was born on June 8, 1934, in New York, to the late Simon and Betty Ross. He was a Boy Scout and a graduate of Brooklyn College in New York, earning a B.A. in Economics. Marty was a Korean War Veteran and served in the 298th Army Band as Bandsman and Drum Major while stationed in Berlin, Germany. He achieved the designation of sharp-shooter and reached the rank of SP3 (Corporal). Marty retired from AT&T/Lucent Technologies after nearly 40 years of service in New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Additionally, he earned a Locksmith Certificate from Foley-Belsaw Institute and an Audio-Video Certificate from DeVry Institute of Technology, which allowed him to build and repair televisions, but everyone knew he could fix almost anything.
Marty had a sweet spirit and was a wonderful soul who never met a stranger. People were drawn to him for his genuine love and caring for others as well as his silly antics and great sense of humor. Having a huge heart, Marty found delight and appreciation in the little things and loved his family and friends immensely.
Music was a central theme of Marty’s life. From a young age, he especially had a passion for jazz and big band music. He spoke fondly about his teacher and professional musician, Uncle Nat, who gave him lessons on the saxophone and clarinet at WNEW Radio Station in New York. Marty enjoyed participating in concerts, weddings and fundraisers while playing in various American Legion Bands, a German Oompah Band at Schmidt’s Sausage House Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, The Society Swing Band, Salem Band, Moore County Concert Band and with several churches, most recently at First Baptist Church of Rockingham where he was a member.
Marty was predeceased by his first wife Stephanie Durys Ross (the mother of his children) and his second wife Rebecca “Becky” Buckner Ross and several special uncles, aunts and cousins. He is survived by his daughters Debra Ross Gunnell (husband, Michael) and Bonnie Ross Myers (husband, Neil); grandchildren Parker Gunnell (fiancé, Nichole) and Nicholas Gunnell (fiancé, Sidney) and his brother, Ysaiah Ross and daughter, Zoe. Also surviving are many special cousins: Gary Leo, Barry and Kate Ross, and all other members of the beloved “Cousins Club.”
Marty is also survived by his stepchildren, Dee Gordon (husband, Robert) and Charles Whicker, Jr. (wife, Julie); his step-grandchildren Lee Gordon, Rebecca Gordon, Garrison Gordon, Jordan Myers, Taylor Myers and Gray Whicker; and several special brothers and sisters in-law and step-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at 3:00 pm, at First Baptist Church, 201 N. Randolph St., Rockingham, NC, with Reverend Jack Lee officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Rockingham, Richmond County Hospice, Yadkinville United Methodist Church (Memo: Yadkinville Elementary School Fund), or any other charity of choice.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Ross family.
Online condolences may be made at www.harringtonfuneralhome.com
Marty was born on June 8, 1934, in New York, to the late Simon and Betty Ross. He was a Boy Scout and a graduate of Brooklyn College in New York, earning a B.A. in Economics. Marty was a Korean War Veteran and served in the 298th Army Band as Bandsman and Drum Major while stationed in Berlin, Germany. He achieved the designation of sharp-shooter and reached the rank of SP3 (Corporal). Marty retired from AT&T/Lucent Technologies after nearly 40 years of service in New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Additionally, he earned a Locksmith Certificate from Foley-Belsaw Institute and an Audio-Video Certificate from DeVry Institute of Technology, which allowed him to build and repair televisions, but everyone knew he could fix almost anything.
Marty had a sweet spirit and was a wonderful soul who never met a stranger. People were drawn to him for his genuine love and caring for others as well as his silly antics and great sense of humor. Having a huge heart, Marty found delight and appreciation in the little things and loved his family and friends immensely.
Music was a central theme of Marty’s life. From a young age, he especially had a passion for jazz and big band music. He spoke fondly about his teacher and professional musician, Uncle Nat, who gave him lessons on the saxophone and clarinet at WNEW Radio Station in New York. Marty enjoyed participating in concerts, weddings and fundraisers while playing in various American Legion Bands, a German Oompah Band at Schmidt’s Sausage House Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, The Society Swing Band, Salem Band, Moore County Concert Band and with several churches, most recently at First Baptist Church of Rockingham where he was a member.
Marty was predeceased by his first wife Stephanie Durys Ross (the mother of his children) and his second wife Rebecca “Becky” Buckner Ross and several special uncles, aunts and cousins. He is survived by his daughters Debra Ross Gunnell (husband, Michael) and Bonnie Ross Myers (husband, Neil); grandchildren Parker Gunnell (fiancé, Nichole) and Nicholas Gunnell (fiancé, Sidney) and his brother, Ysaiah Ross and daughter, Zoe. Also surviving are many special cousins: Gary Leo, Barry and Kate Ross, and all other members of the beloved “Cousins Club.”
Marty is also survived by his stepchildren, Dee Gordon (husband, Robert) and Charles Whicker, Jr. (wife, Julie); his step-grandchildren Lee Gordon, Rebecca Gordon, Garrison Gordon, Jordan Myers, Taylor Myers and Gray Whicker; and several special brothers and sisters in-law and step-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at 3:00 pm, at First Baptist Church, 201 N. Randolph St., Rockingham, NC, with Reverend Jack Lee officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Rockingham, Richmond County Hospice, Yadkinville United Methodist Church (Memo: Yadkinville Elementary School Fund), or any other charity of choice.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Ross family.
Online condolences may be made at www.harringtonfuneralhome.com