Read Carter Ross

He was born on March 27, 1936, in Mattoon, IL to Roy Meneley Ross and Mary Louise Heck Ross.

Read was married to Sharon Elaine Kragler on July 1, 1962, in Mattoon, IL. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, adventure, and family.

Read grew up in Mattoon, and graduated college from nearby Eastern Illinois University. His professional journey took him from Rand McNally to the University of Tennessee, before embarking on a remarkable 30+ year career in Economic Development with the State of Michigan.

He was a dedicated member of Delta Presbyterian Church and a lifelong sports enthusiast. An avid fan of Michigan State University, Read held season tickets for MSU football for over 60 years and MSU basketball for nearly 40. His love for sports extended beyond MSU, as he cherished watching college football and basketball and remained a dedicated fan to his childhood baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals.

Read had a passion for reading and collecting books, with a special interest in World War II history. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Sharon, and the two of them spent many happy years exploring new places together. He was known for his fondness for strong coffee, sweet iced tea, crisp white t-shirts, fleece sweatshirts, flashlights, and, of course, a good Manhattan! He had a sharp wit and loved spending time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. Whether it was playing games like Sorry! and Seven or cheering on his grandchildren at their activities, Read’s pride and love for his family knew no bounds.

Read is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Ross; children, Todd Ross (Aimee), Brad Ross (Janine); grandchildren, Skylar (Brooklyn), Rilyn, Alenah, Coleman, Anderson, Renee, Selene; great-granddaughter, Reign; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his siblings: Glenn E. Ross, Virginia L. Record, and Roy M. Ross, Jr.

A celebration of Read's life will be held at a later date, where family and friends are invited to join in food, fellowship, and the sharing of memories and stories as we honor the life of a remarkable man.