Biography:

Deacon Willie Nehemiah Ross, of Rowesville, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the age of 77.

Deacon Ross was born on May 11, 1948, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to the late Reverend Blease Ross and Myrtle Ross. At an early age, he accepted Christ and was baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Orangeburg, SC, where his foundation of faith began and would guide him throughout his life.

Deacon Ross received his formal education through the Orangeburg County school system and graduated from Bethune Memorial High School in 1966. He later furthered his education at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.

Following high school, he began working in the family business, as a logger for Ross and Sons Logging. In 1968, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army, where he served honorably until his discharge in 1974. Upon returning home, he continued his work at a local automobile shop and later at American Yard Products (AYP).

Deacon Ross had a deep love for sports, especially baseball, and played on local community teams until an injury in 1989 ended his playing days. He also found joy in playing Scrabble and other word games, as well as watching sports.

A devoted man of God, Deacon Ross faithfully served in numerous capacities within his church and the Baptist Association, ultimately being ordained as a deacon. His life reflected his unwavering faith and commitment to service.

On November 6, 1973, Deacon Ross was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, the late Willa Dean Miller Ross. Their union was blessed with two children were born of this union, Maury Kashawn Ross and Kindrick Ross.

Deacon Ross was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He touched countless lives with his humor, warm laughter, infectious smile, and genuine kindness. His love for God was evident not only in his words but in the way he lived and treated others each day. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and cherished memories.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Willa Dean Miller Ross; his parents, Rev. Blease and Myrtle Ross; his son, Maury Kashawn Ross; his stepmother, Willa Mae Owens Ross; his brothers, Daniel B. Ross, Cliff Owens, Anthony Owens, and Lynn Owens; and his sister, Maxine Owens.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Kindrick (Niki) Ross; his grandchildren, Jaquel Brown, Kindrick (KJ) Ross Jr., Kaleb Ross, and Kaylie Ross; and his great-granddaughter, Kali Brown. He is also survived by his brothers, Paul Ross, Robert (Donna) Owens, Isaiah (Lillie) Owens, and Jethro (Mable) Owens; his sisters, Delores Ross, Delores Owens, and Jean Barrett Epps; and his aunts, Alma Scales El, Hazel Farrell, and Martha Kennedy.

He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Shirley (Carl) Haynes of Florida; his brother-in-law, Woodrow Edwards of Florida; his godchild, Kartasha (Nigel) Murray; his devoted niece, LaTrice Ryant, along with Cierra and Chris Hannibal; his special friend, Regina Warner; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.