Junior Ray Ross

Mr. Ray Ross, 92, of Richmond, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at his home.
He was born in Garrard County, on Oct. 7, 1932, the son of the late JC & Vissie Lamb Ross. He went to Kirksville High School where he walked to school and played on the basketball team until his graduation in 1952. After high school, Ray was drafted by the US Army and he honorably served his country as a supply clerk and, more notably, as a talented basketball player, where he was a member of the National Championship Runner-up team. After the Army, Ray & his family settled in the northern Indiana area where he became a successful poultry farmer – often having 40,000 chickens at a time. Ray estimated that over his 52 years, he raised around 12,000,000 chickens. But poultry farming wasn’t enough, and work really became more of a hobby for Ray as he looked for ways to make sure his days were filled with being active. He was the Fire Chief for 26 years in Jefferson Township, Goshen, IN, and was a school bus driver for special needs children for many years, and it was one of the jobs he treasured. Ray also found time to volunteer at LoveWay’s Equine Assisted Services, where he helped special needs children in their therapy activities.

In 2001 he moved to Kentucky to be near his family and help take care of his father. Soon after his move to Richmond, he started driving the shuttle bus for Eastern Kentucky University and later Foothills, and just recently retired at the age of 90.

While there wasn’t much time left in most of his days, when Ray did have free time, he enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, and listening to Elvis' Gospel songs every Sunday morning. He was a member of the Kirksville Baptist Church.

Survivors include: his sons, Kent Ross (Shelley) & Kirk Ross; his former wife and mother to his children, Margaret Weaver; his sisters, Joyce Reams, Lorene Hixson; his grandchildren, Kimberly Ross, Kirsten Ross (Saad), Kody Ross, & Kyle Ross; his step-granddaughter, Tiffanie Tsikouris (Alex); a special friend, Ruth Metcalf; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: one son, Kenneth Ray Ross, and one brother, Ardith “Artie” Ross.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 PM Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Manse Cemetery at Paint Lick.

Visitation will be after 11 AM on Wednesday at the funeral home.