I had met Ross several Years ago at Kelly Moore Paints. He would always buy his maintenance coatings for the fun works, and he was always such a treat to help. He had a great sense of humor and wit about him. I had just seen him a few weeks ago at the Ripon  Coffee shop and we were making plans to have coffee together. We will miss him here on earth, but heaven just got another angel.

Remembering Reverend Ross Briles of Modesto, California who recently passed away at the age of 85.  Ross played an important role in my writing about the 1948 Modesto Billy Graham Crusade.  Ross introduced me to Fred Jennings who was part of the core group that brought Graham to the Central Valley in the months leading up to the LA Crusade that would propel Graham's ministry onto the world stage.  We used Mr. Jennings' reflections of that time in the book 9 From 99.  
As we were setting up the interview, we got into discussions of religion; I am a Catholic and both Ross and Mr. Jennings were Protestant.  Ross said to me, "None of that matters as we are all part of the Body of Christ."  Fine words indeed.  
Ross was a faith-filled man who helped bring out the best from Mr. Jennings.  My sympathy and regards to the Briles family.

In the 1960's, my family was very good friends with Reverend Ross Briles and Marie. One day Ross called me up, (I was still in high school). He told me he had a good idea. He was going to go back the Oklahoma to a Bible School and see if he could find a guy who would come out to California. He was offering, room and board in his home, plus tuition at MJC. He was specifically looking for a strong guy who could help him build a new Sherwood Bible Church. Dennis Lewis took the challenge and came out to Modesto. Ross wondered if I would introduce him to all my friends too.  Well, in 1974 Reverend Ross Briles married Dennis Lewis and I.  Also, Dennis and I were partners with Ross in running a Putt-Putt Golf Course in Lancaster, CA. Our lives have been intertwined for years. God has bless us with our friendship with the Briles Family for many years.

The first time I met Ross was when I was a sophomore in High School. I came home from school and said Hi to my Mom and Dad. Then I notice a man sleeping on the floor in my living room. It was Ross Briles. At that time he was a full time minister, a carpet installer, and had just purchased the Putt-Putt Course, that was near 5-points in Modesto. He was taking one of his many quick cat naps. He held those jobs and even sold shoes at Farr's Dept. Store.  Ross was always non-stop. He came into my life and changed  my life forever.  I later babysat Cheryl Lynn and sang for many of Sherwood Bible's weddings and funerals. He was a good friend to our family from then on. He was man of God and I am very glad to have spent time with him.

Bro Ross, it’s Friday. The day of the week that we get together to chat, laugh, cry, struggle, and praise God. I am missing you. But I am happy for you because you are with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and Maria.

Ross and I have been meeting together on Friday mornings for almost 20 years. It started with discussions about CMN business and soon became a friendship and a genuine Christian love for each other.

My condolences to the Briles family especially to Cheryl and Jan and their families. I am praying for you.

In Christ’s love, Duane Wolterstorff

I can't believe I'm having to write this I had just talked to him a few days prior on the phone we were discussing the parts we needed for the bumper boats at Fun Works as I still work there and Putt-Putt was my first job Ross was a lifelong friend and boss I will miss him greatly...

I was struggling with the fact my earthly father did not show affection nor speak of his love for me. I knew he did love me but I longed to  hear those words or feel even a quick hug. I shared that with Bro. Ross and he gave me great advice. I implemented it and it totally transformed my relationship with me and my dad. I never forgot that. Yes, Bro. Ross was one of a  kind and I will always be grateful to have known him. Truly heavens gain and our loss. Love and prayers to his family.

Every time Bro. Ross saw me in my adult years, he would say, "The kid who knew all those Bible verses!" He was referring to a contest we had at church camp fifty years ago. He divided us into teams, and the team that could recite the most Bible verses was the winner. I really put everyone who didn't go to Christian school at an unfair advantage, but it was such a morale booster for a kid who was enduring a childhood behind closed doors that no kid should have to endure. That's what it was like to be a part of his church youth camp leadership. No matter what your young heart was going through, he made sure it had a safe place to draw close to God. That's a memory I've cherished throughout my life. While my heart aches for the girls and the rest of the family with his passing, I know the reward Bro. Ross will enjoy for all eternity will be a great one indeed.

My heartfelt condolences to the entire Briles family and the entire team at Funworks in Modesto. For years I had the honor of working alongside Ross as one of his salespeople when it came to purchasing arcade games. Every time we met, his infectious, jolly personality never failed to bring a smile to my face. I’ll forever cherish the memories of his playful antics, like the way he’d offer a handshake and then pull his hand back with a mischievous grin, or his signature line: “You know what I like about you... NOTHING!”

Ross was truly one of a kind, and I believe heaven has gained a true gem.

Until we meet again, my friend, save me a spot.

With love and deepest sympathy,
Tony "TONY O" Orozco

OBITUARY

William Ross Briles

October 4, 1939 – October 10, 2024

Lakewood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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