Willis Neal Ross was born in a homestead farm house, on the outskirts of Carthage, Texas, May 9th 1928. He passed away on June 1, 2022 at his home in Shreveport at the age of 94.
Neal graduated from high school in 1947 where he participated in football, basketball and FFA. Neal eventually left "the farm" to chase his passion in the oil business. His Oilfield career was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army in 1950. Neal proudly served with the Eastern Defense Division during the Korean War, protecting the steel mills of Pennsylvania. Once discharged from the Army, he returned to the oil business for a span of 60 years. Many companies benefited from Neal's charismatic style as a Salesman and Manager with Tri-State Oil Tools, Baker Oil Tools, QTS and Key Energy to name a few. He was well known and respected by many.
Neal was a man's man; a true sportsman. He loved to hunt, fish and golf and he skillfully incorporated those within his work. He arranged many a sport outing for his clients, in the name of "business". He was a longtime member of various charitable organizations and served as director/participant in the Ark-La-Tex Oilman's Golf Tournament for 50+ years.
Neal belonged to Broadmoor United Methodist Church and the Upper Room Sunday School Class. He loved watching the Sunday service online during the pandemic. At the time of his death he was one of the oldest surviving members and 32nd degree Mason of the Gladewater Masonic Lodge #852. (would have made 65 years of service as of June 27, 2022). Neal also served as a member of the Shriners Organization.
Neal was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Kelly Joyce Ross, his sister, Jean Williamson and his parents, John Tom and Mildred Ross.
Neal is survived by his two brothers, Royce Ross (Leta) and Dan Ross (Elaine) along with many nieces and nephews. Neal's legacy lives on through his two sons, Robert N. Ross (Susan) and Richard W. Ross (Loretta), his five grandchildren, Contessa Weinheimer (Matt), Paige Kimball (Arnold), Jessica Lassin (Adam), Will Ross (Kayli) and Justin Ross. Neal also leaves behind, six great grandchildren, Gavin, Logan, Blakely, Payton, Everleigh and Harper.
Neal, Dad, Deddy, PaPa, PawPaw was also sometimes compared to John Wayne due to his appearance and demeanor. He acquired many pictures and books of The Duke over the years. You can hear Neal using one of his quotes: "You're going to think I'm being corny, but this is how I really feel: I hope my family and my friends will be able to say that I was an honest, kind and fairly decent man."
A visitation for Neal will be held Friday, June 10, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. Funeral service will occur Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Ebenezer Methodist Church, CR 227, Carthage, TX. He will be laid to rest in Walton Cemetery adjacent to the church. Dr. Greg Davis of Broadmoor United Methodist Church will officiate the service.
Serving as pallbearers will be Tom Ross, Will Ross, Arnold Kimball, Matt Weinheimer and Adam Lassin. Honorary pallbearers will be Glenn Price, Jackie Nelson, James Anderson, Al Watts, Bo Mangum, David Marcontell and Edmond Marcontell.
The family would like to thank Willis-Knighton Hospice of Louisiana, Kathy and Jerome with Brown's Nursing Services, for their professional, compassionate care during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
