The service today was such a celebration of who Dr Gross was in so many roles of his full life. He will be remembered. 

I first met Ben Gross during the interview process that led to my becoming the sixth member of the UTC Chemistry Department in 1975.  After picking me up at the airport Ben drove me all around the city, introducing me to what has become my new home.  As always, his love and devotion to this area, UTC, and the Chemistry Department was quite apparent.  With his help I learned to navigate the rocky roads of teaching large groups of students, setting up a research lab and securing its funding, and professionalism both in terms of my participation in the University’s functioning and that of the greater chemistry community. Of course, none of this was unique to me.  Over our years together I got to see a great many students and faculty benefit similarly from Ben’s careful devotion to their development. Ben’s book on the history of our Chemistry Department reveals some of the mentors ( heroes ) that nurtured these traits in him.  Clearly, this small-town, farm boy, found a home that he wanted to share with others.  Ben did this exceedingly well.

Dr. Gross was my advisor and professor when I was a student at UTC.  He was a great man and I will always remember him as a friend and mentor. 

Ben and Helen at a chemistry conference, 1998

Dr. Gross was my professor and, at times, my boss. I had the delight of working with him as a lab assistant/administrative assistant during his summer school sessions. Throngs of students from other universities would come to UTC to take Organic Chemistry because he was renowned as the absolute best. I admired his kind temperament, his wry sense of humor, his collegiality and his genuine interest in his students. He taught me so much—chemistry of course, but also about how to treat people, how to respect ideas, a strong work ethic, and paying attention to details. At age 19, I was a little bit in love with him. Now, fifty years later, I will sadly miss the man that I have always thought of as a living saint. 

To all of the family and close friends of Dr. Gross I am sorry for the loss of this kind and gentle man. 

Dr. Gross was the teacher that set my pathway to a fun and rewarding journey in chemistry. I would never compare my knowledge of chemistry in the same category as his but he never made you feel that way. 

In the mid-90s I introduced one of my daughters to him while we were on campus visits. My surprise, he remembered me. Since I graduated in 1970, I wasn't expecting him to remember me.

Dr. Gross continue your journey now and thanks for helping me with mine.   Your devoted student- Mike Finney

Ben was (and Helen is) a gracious, caring person. I was welcomed to department in 1981 by then head Ben Gross, and he was a wonderful leader who led by example. He and Helen made a great team with their family and community. He always wanted the best for students and faculty/staff and he worked hard in teaching and service and research. He was encouraging and supportive of teaching and research and a great influence on me.   

I had interviewed at several schools when I came to UTC for an interview when Ben was head (as he was for many years). The thing that was striking was that the people in the department were not only enthusiastic about their work but seemed to genuinely care for one another. This unity of purpose and positive feelings were not so evident at other schools. Ben was central to this positive atmosphere. I knew I wanted to come this department to teach. Ben was encouraging and supportive of teaching and research and a great influence on me.

To Helen, Andrew, Michael, and family – may the Lord bless you and keep you close in spirit.


He was my Organic Chem prof. Awesome professor. Dr. Gross and Dr. Waddell were the best professors at UTC. At the time, the Chemistry department was the star at UTC. 

We are so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. We thought a lot of him. We love that Aimee met Ben when she was a student at UTC before she even met Mike. Not many people can say they loved their father-in-law before they met their husband! We also enjoyed many batches of his fudge at the holidays. He will be missed. We are holding Helen and all of the family in our hearts.


Dr. Gross was my Chemistry Professor while I was attending UTC from 1982-1984. I went to his office because I was having trouble understanding some of the subject matter. He told me that coming to his office just ensured that I would pass his course. He said that he would help me to understand and comprehend all the subject matter and he did.  Not only did I pass his course, I also minored in Chemistry. He was one of the instructors in College that I will never forget, His kindness, patience, and genuine care for his students left a mark on me in a very good way. I'll never forget Dr. Gross,  and I pray that his family and friends are comforted in their grief by the many kind words shared by former students. God Speed Dr. Gross and Thank you for your compassion and wisdom.

Don H. DeSha Jr.

OBITUARY

Dr. Benjamin Harrison Gross Jr.

23 July, 1930 – 19 July, 2023

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-East Brainerd Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services