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Winston Raymond Dana Ross, age 67, passed away Tuesday morning on April 20, 2021. He was born November 19, 1953 on the West Point, NY military base. He lived the life of a military brat and grew up in places stretching from Maryland to Memphis to Ohio to Los Angeles to finally Huntsville, Alabama which is where he fully embraced becoming a southerner.
Early in life he was an avid horse rider and won many competitions rodeoing with his horse, Grey Cloud. He attended Auburn University and graduated from pharmacy school in 1977. After a summer spent living along the Colorado River in Arizona, he and his wife, Rachel moved to North Carolina to start their careers where he lived until his passing. He worked as a pharmacist starting at the VA and then moved on to various community drug stores in the Salisbury, NC area as well as at CVS up until his retirement.
His love of his occupation rested in the bonds he formed with repeat customers where he’d always spend time making sure they were well taken care of. He was an enthusiast in every sense of the word. He loved to fish, hunt (especially with his late dog, Gabe), read at length, and talk to anyone and everyone about all subjects imaginable. His love of music started at a young age and he proudly attended Newport Pop Festival in 1968 wearing both bell-bottom jeans and turquoise jewelry he made himself. He kept the tradition alive attending the first Bonnaroo music festival in 2003 as well as subsequent years. He was a former member of the NC Special Operations Response Team (“SORT”) and during his participation was deployed to Mississippi to work as a pharmacist in field hospitals in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He was also known in his community for making the delicious Winston’s Highland Toffee. He was proud of his Scottish heritage and attended the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games every year where he sold his toffee and on many occasions hosted the Clan Ross group dinner. He traveled the world over the course of his life with his family and visited everywhere from France to Bolivia and made several trips to Scotland, a place he loved.
Winston is preceded in death by his wife, Rachel Ross.
He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Ross, son-in-law Steve Stromp and grandchild, Luca Stromp; identical twin brother, Weston Ross and his wife Cindy Ross; sister, Maris Ross; along with beloved nieces and nephews. Arrangements: An end of life celebration will be held at a later date once all his loved ones are able to gather.
Carolina Cremation of Salisbury and Charlotte is assisting the Ross family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Lisa @ Dr. Nakaji’s says
Winston was one in a million! He never met a stranger and as said, he could participate in a conversation about anything. So sorry for your loss Kelly, treasure the memories ❤️????????
Stephen Wanner says
My neighbor Winston and his wife will be greatly missed on our block. I will miss his conversations and Rachel’s flowers and vegetables and his Toffee. Rest in peace my Friend.
Steve and Linda Wanner ❤
Jeanette Stromp says
Kelly I am so sorry for your loss. Winston was a great guy and Tom and I truly loved talking with him. We will keep his memory and grandpa Tom’s memory and grandma Rachel’s memory alive for baby Luca. Love Jeanette
Regina Stromp Fenton says
I am so very sorry for your loss, Kelly! I’m sure your dad will be truly missed. Know that you and your family are in my prayers. Keep the memories of his grandparents alive for Luca. All our love, Regina (Reg)
Mike and Loretta Coltrane says
Kelly, we are so sorry for your loss. I have many memories of hunting trips with him, of his many jokes and interesting stories, and of his Christmas toffee. His passing leaves a big void and he will certainly be missed.
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Sylvia Tyndall says
My husband ,Alvin(who died in 2019), and I met your parents through Clan Ross activities at Grandfather Mtn. We enjoyed many years of their graciously hosting Ross dinners. Alvin and Winston could talk for hours about most anything. May fond memories bring you comfort. With deepest sympathy , Sylvia Tyndall, and son, Allen
Lana Sue Elliott says
Prayers for Kelly, her family, & all of Winston’s family ! I know he will be greatly missed–he was like family to me for 27 yrs !
Dennis Neigel says
Dennis Victor Neigel
Me and my wife Christine @ 610 Fox Hollow Lane have been neighbors on Fox Hollow with Winston and Rachel Ross for 35 years.
So sad to hear that both of them have passed in such a short period of time.
After Rachel passed I was talking to Winston on a daily basis and consoling him for his great loss. And this was just a few months ago.
The Fox Hollow neighborhood and all the people that knew Rachel at the hospital and Winston with his great personality and great candy will be missed dearly.
So so sad that both were taken From us for two early in life.
Our deepest condolences to those who knew him very well and family members.
Dennis Neigel says
Me and my wife Christine @ 610 Fox Hollow Lane have been neighbors on Fox Hollow with Winston and Rachel Ross for 35 years.
So sad to hear that both of them have passed in such a short period of time.
After Rachel passed I was talking to Winston on a daily basis and consoling him for his great loss. And this was just a few months ago.
The Fox Hollow neighborhood and all the people that knew Rachel at the hospital and Winston with his great personality and great candy will be missed dearly.
So so sad that both were taken From us for two early in life.
Our deepest condolences to those who knew him very well and family members.
Ekron Crow III Ches and Faye says
We are so sorry to hear about Winston. We have known him for 30 plus years through The Clan Ross America. We have spent many hours enjoying each others company, and will miss him very much. You are in our hearts and prayers
ENRIQUE ROSS says
Enrique & Icela Ross
We have known Winston for several years and spent many great times with him. We will miss him very much for we loved him dearly, as we love all the family. Our prayers for Winston and a big hug with love for Weston and Cindy, and Kelly.
Kay Newman says
We were neighbors on Sugar Tree Lane Sugar Mountain. If we remember correctly Kelly was 5 years old. Winston loved sharing his experiences and his family. They hosted the Ross clan at their home and we fondly remember the music, beautiful arrangement from Rachel’s garden and food and conversations. We no longer are on Sugar but remember them with fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kelly and the family.
Bob and Kay Newman
Jeri Fritz Laufenberg says
Dearest Kelly,
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing so soon after your mom. I saw his name in the most recent Auburn Alumni magazine under the deaths. Your mom was my college roommate one year and I always admired her tenacity in her studies. After we graduated we kept up with Christmas letters and pictures. I pray for God’s peace in your parent’s passing and know that they are happy together looking down on you and your family. Much love.