William "Bill" J. Ross, 82, of Charlotte, and beloved husband for 53 years to Donna Ross, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2020. Bill was born on March 1, 1938 and he was raised in New Britain, Connecticut. Bill was the son of the late William and Eleanor Ross.
Bill graduated from New Britain High School in 1956 and was a member of the football team that won the Connecticut State Championship. He then served in the United States Navy and was stationed in Cuba, where he played baseball while also serving his country.
Bill went on to Central Connecticut State University where he was the captain of the tennis team. He graduated in 1962 and began a career in architectural hardware. Later, Bill went through the PMD program at Harvard Business School. His professional career moved his family to Costa Mesa, CA and then to Lincoln, NE.
In 1986, Bill and his family planted their roots in Charlotte, NC where he became VP of Marketing for the Yale lock company. After his time at Yale, Bill founded Access Solutions, an independent rep agency for architectural hardware. A former colleague of Bill’s recently described him as the kindest, fairest, most professional man that they had ever worked with and added that he was always just a pleasure.
As much as Bill was respected for his work ethic, determination, and drive, he was perhaps the most respected for the immense love that he had for his family. Bill loved nothing more than to be with his family. Bill and the love of his life raised two children, Mike and Jeff. Bill taught his boys how to be wonderful husbands and fathers as he led by example and served as their greatest mentor. He was a man of faith and was an active member of Saint Matthew's Catholic Church. Bill never spoke an unkind word about anyone and he never met a stranger. He loved to tell stories and more importantly, he loved to listen to the stories of others. Bill had a gift of making anyone that was in his presence feel like they were the most important person in the room. Bill loved laughter, a great meal, cookies, ice cream, coffee and a nice glass of red wine at the end of the day. He enjoyed golf, tennis, traveling and spending time at his beach home in Wrightsville Beach, NC.
When Bill was not on a golf course at Raintree or Landfall Country Club, he could be found working in the yard as he took pride in having a beautiful landscape. Bill had a great appreciation for music and art. He was an artist himself, but he only shared this hidden talent with his family. He gave the best hugs and took great pleasure in seeing those around him succeed. He especially loved watching his grandchildren who were his pride and joy do what they love, and Papa Ross will always be their hero. Bill was an avid fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Carolina Panthers and the NY Yankees. He loved going to games and cheering on his favorite teams! Bill will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved him. He will be forever remembered for being a true humble gentleman.
In addition to his wife, Donna, Bill is survived by his loving children, Michael James Ross and his wife, Kathy, of Wilmington, NC; his son, Jeffrey Scott Ross and his wife, Jennifer, of Charlotte, NC; his three grandchildren, Evensen Ross, William Ross III, and Delaney Ross; and many other cherished loved ones.
A private memorial and celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a future date when family and friends can safely gather.
To honor Bill, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
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