David Francis Ross

Dave was a member of Faith United Methodist Church, the Faith Builders Sunday School Class, and the Men’s Prayer Breakfast fellowship. He was a retired advertising copywriter working for local ad agencies, and also did early morning news for local radio stations. He was past president of the Fort Smith Ad Club and a recipient of their Silver Medal Award. His writing credits include a book on the history of Central Presbyterian Church, the play “Bethlehem” which was produced by the Fort Smith Little Theater, and scripts from the Ad Club Gridiron shows. He was a sports fan, loved music and travel. His was proud to be able to say he had visited all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. His love for history led him to serving on the Board of Directors of the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation and writing vignettes to be performed at the Clayton House Museum, as well as participating in other community projects.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gayle; son, Mike and wife Jane of Springdale, son, Doug and wife Stacy and grandson Evan of Fort Smith; as well as his sister, Hillys Jane Ross of Des Moines, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life will held 10:00am Friday, February 24, 2017 at Faith United Methodist Church. Viewing will be from 12:00pm to 7:00pm, with visitation being from 5:00 to 7:00pm, Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Edwards Funeral Home. Services and cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Miller, Tim Chapman, Dave Burdue, Ed Hunter, John Starks, Herb Crum, Denny Garns, Bob Turnquist and Dick McCormick.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith United Church, 2901 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903 or Fort Smith Heritage Foundation (Clayton House), 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.