Fred A. Gross

Fred A. Gross, age 87, of Gadsden, Alabama passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023. Coach Gross was a graduate of Emma Sansom High School, class of 1959 where he was an all-star football player and earned all state honors. He earned a football scholarship to Auburn University and was apart of the 1957 National Championship Team. While a student at Auburn, he received his B.S. degree in Education. Coach Gross started his coaching career in 1959 at Southside High School. He then accepted the head coaching Job at Walnut Grove High School where he had a 20-9-1 record, won a state championship and was selected as state coach of the year in 1965. In 1966 Buster accepted the head coaching job at Arab High School. He coached at Arab for seven years with a 46-17-6 record. In 1973, Emma Sansom called him home to coach the Rebels. After several years, Buster went on a seven year stretch with a record of 72-8-2 with 4 of those losses being the play off games. During this time, his 1983 team went 13-1 with their only loss coming in the State Championship game earning them State Runner up honors. In 1984, Buster's team went 15-0 winning the Alabama 5A State Championship and earning him class 5A Alabama High School Coach of the year. Buster ended his career with a 200-104-10 record, 10 state playoff appearances, 8 Area Championships, 8 Regional Championships, 5 Marshall County Championships, 2 State Championships, 2 State Coach of the year awards and coached in 2 State All-Star games.

Buster was a very humble man who attributed his success to his family, assistant coaches, players, students, co-workers, and community. His love for his job and players was immensely strong as they were his family and his love and loyalty never wavered. He was an amazing, loyal, and loving father not only to his family but to every football player and student that ever walked through the threshold of the school he taught and coached. You were all his children. Buster was a member of Forrest Avenue Presbyterian Church.

He is preceded in death by his father, Fred Gross; mother, Clara Erwin Burke; step-mother, Nell Gross; step- father, Clifford Burke; wife, Cynitha Garmon Gross, and daughter Celisa Ann Gross Jones.

Coach Goss is survived by his daugher, Kelly Gross of Gadsden; son, Barry (Jessica) Gross of Gadsden; grandchildren, Chris (Stephanie) Jones of Easley, South Carolina, Justin Jones of New York City, Cory Gross of San Francisco, Kassi Gross and Cody Beasley of Gadsden; great-grandchildren, Lillian Epperson and Case Beasley.

A visitation for Fred will be held Friday, March 24, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Collier-Butler Funeral Home, 824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901. A funeral service will occur Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Collier-Butler Funeral Home. Randy Evers and Bishop Walter Smith will officiate. Burial will follow at Crestwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Justin Jones, Chris Jones, Cody Beasley, George Cattling, Scott Mayo and Jeff Pritchett.

Honorary pallbearers are Southside, Walnut Grove, Arab and Emma Sansom Football teams and coaches.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice, Dr. Sledge and staff, April Barton and Shannon Holland.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Gross family.