Nathaniel E. Ross

Nathaniel Earl Ross was born on October 12, 1940, in Quitman County, Mississippi, to the late Jessie and Willie Mae Taylor. He transitioned from this earthly realm on Friday, February 18, 2025, at 3:08 p.m. As the third son of eleven children, Nathaniel was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie C. Ross, Sr. and Willie Mae-Taylor Ross; his sisters, Georgia Faye McClellan and Bobbie Jean Boone; and his brothers, Jessie C. Ross, Jr. and W.L. Ross.

Nathaniel was baptized and came to know Christ at St. Luke Church in Jackson, Tennessee. He attended Merry High School in Jackson where he and his brother Alonzo formed a baseball team with their friends, spending much of their time together. In 1961, Nathaniel enlisted in the United States Army, serving five years in Ausbach, Germany, and completing two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. For his service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Purple Heart.

After his first tour in Vietnam, Nathaniel was stationed in Virginia. During a trip to Raleigh, North Carolina, he met his loving and devoted wife, Mary (Council) Ross. They married in 1970 after his return from his second tour in Vietnam. In 1971, he was honorably discharged. Nathaniel and Mary moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he began working for Purolator and later for United Parcel Service (UPS), formerly Purolator and Emory Freight, retiring in 1999.

Nathaniel was deeply devoted to his family, and his family adored him in return. From the time they moved to Chicago until his transition, Nathaniel and Mary shared countless memories with their nieces and nephews, whom they lovingly considered their own children. They were especially cherished as “Uncle Nate and Aunt Mary”, always showing love, kindness, and generosity. Nathaniel, the family photographer, captured memories at every gathering with his camera, creating reels and tapes that brought joy and laughter to family members over the years. He was truly a caring and selfless person.

Nathaniel’s first love was Mary, and she loved him. This was apparent to anyone who were familiar with them. He loved his Chicago Bears and never missed a game when it was aired on T.V. He had a love for cars, always taking pride in keeping them spotless and well-maintained. Many family members remember his trips home with various cars, in which he let his younger siblings drive while he was on leave. His favorite car was his custom-built 1975 red Chevy Monte Carlo, which became a signature at family reunions, with nieces and nephews often posing in front of it. He also loved music—particularly soul music—which he enjoyed with Mary or at the many parties his brothers Alonzo and Ronnie DJed. His other hobbies included bowling, fishing, and more.

A caring, gentle, and loving husband, Nathaniel and Mary were married for 53 blissful years. Along with Mary, he leaves to cherish his memory four brothers: Alonzo Ross, John Ross, and Kenneth Ross, (Jackson, Tennessee, Ronnie Ross, (Hampton, GA) ; two sisters: Lilly Ross-Merriweather and Willa Ross (Tampa, Florida); seven sisters-in-law: Michelle, Rosie Lee, Carol, Lorraine, Mary Louise, and Shirley Ross-Johnson, Patricia Adams, and Carolyn Winston; one aunt, Christine Taylor-Berry (Chicago, Illinois); and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

A visitation will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Andrew J McGann & Son Funeral Home, 10727 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago, Illinois. Funeral service will be Friday, March 7, 2025, viewing from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m. at Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home. Interment, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, Illinois 60421.