Ronald William Ross

Ronald "Ron" William Ross, 89, of Leesville, passed away quitely at home on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 12:13 P.M. after a lingering illness. Born on October 28, 1933 in Patterson, New Jersey, Ron was a navy veteran who served his active duty from September 1951 to August of 1954. This was followed by his time in the reserves from the time of his termination of active duty until his honorable discharge in September of 1959. Ron was a devout, hardworking father and husband. He married Shirley Ann Bell in July of 1954 (deceased, September of 2001) and together they had four children: Barbara Ann, William Ronald, Joseph Albert, and John Charles, all bearing his family name Ross.

Ron was a lifelong carpenter, working with wood was one of his favorite pastimes when it wasn’t his livelihood. The Ross’s moved from their native, New Jersey to Southwest Florida in 1972 and after several years, they later moved to central South Carolina in 1990. In 1995, after retiring, Ron bought some rural property and realized a longtime dream of building his own home where he lived until the passing of Shirley, and then with his second wife, Beatrice G. Yarbrough —whom he married in December of 2004–where they have lived ever since.

In his 60s, 70s, and early 80s, Ron was known for his care and concern for the elderly. He routinely visited nursing homes where he, with his set of cassette tapes on which he had recorded various hymns and early and mid 20th century popular tunes, would sing for the residents.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle Parnell Benz in 1993 and William Benz in 1985. He is survived by his four children; wife, Bea; as well as his step-daughter, Judy Y. Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South Carolina Educational Television. A Celebration of Life for Ron will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, May 12th, at Ebenezer Southern Methodist Church, 112 Ebenezer Road, Leesville, SC 29070.