Obituaries

Mr. Gene Ross, age 83, of 1181 W. Highway 27 in Lincolnton, died on Monday, September 10, 2012.

His funeral service will be 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at Leonards Fork Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Goins officiating.  Burial will follow in the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at Warlick Funeral Home.

Gene was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Nancy Burgin Ross.

Mr. Ross was born August 12, 1929 in Lincoln County to the late Forest Ross and Libby Beatty Ross.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Joe Ross and Fred Ross and his sisters, Louise Ross Simmons, Mattie Ruth Ross Ramsey, Evelyn Ross Wise and Helen Ross Smith.

Gene was retired from the United States Postal Service, owner of Ross Surveys and a lifetime farmer.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. He was a graduate of Lincolnton High School and Appalachian State University.

Gene was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He was most proud of his family, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with them at their cabin on Lake Hickory and at Rock Springs Campground.  He was a devoted fan of West Lincoln Wrestling and all of the teams his grandchildren played on.

Mr. Ross is survived by two sons, Butch Ross and wife Joette, Mike Ross and wife Marsha, one daughter, Mary R. Reynolds and husband Rick, all of Lincolnton; eight grandchildren, Elizabeth Ross Carpenter, Sarah Ross, Cole Reynolds, Hannah Ross, Ethan Ross, Heather Willis, Angie Drewery, and Mia Gantt; fourteen great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Lincoln County, 107 N. Cedar Street, Lincolnton, NC  28092, or Leonards Fork Baptist Church, 1462 Leonards Fork Church Road, Lincolnton, NC  28092.