Roy Lee Ross

Roy Lee Ross was born Tuesday, February 13, 1940. Roy Lee Ross was born to Eldridge Ross, and Novella Shelby in the State of Tennessee (Hardin County), in the small rural Town of Savannah. Roy Ross was youngest child of Novella Shelby.

Roy learned of the Lord Jesus Christ as a child and attended St. John Missionary Baptist Church where he was reared. Roy exemplified the value of kindness, resilience, and a quiet strength that would define his life as a respected leader of his family. Roy’s mother Novella Shelby passed away when he was only 3 years of age. Roy’s maternal grandparents, Augusta and Henry Shelby stepped up and raised Roy as their own son. It was there he learned family values which have touched the lives of both family, friends and beyond. Roy’s love for family, community, warmth, wisdom, unwavering integrity and just the simple joys of life were instilled in him these values carried him throughout his journey of life.

Roy Lee Ross met the love of his life and married Janice in 1965. Roy and Janice were married 60 years. They shared many happy years of travel and adventure. From Roy and Janice’s union of marriage two children were born.

Roy graduated from Dunbar High School in Savannah Tennessee, May 1958. Roy was a hard-working career man he dedicated 20 years at Larue Carter Hospital where he met his loving wife while also dedicating 40 years of service to Lucent Technologies before retiring. Roy was a passionate sports fan, he was often found cheering for the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Pacers, IU Basketball and Notre Dame Football teams. His enthusiasm for sport games was matched only by his love for those around him. Roy will be remembered not only as a gentle spirit and generous heart but also for the legacy of love and laughter. Roy was a family man. His memory of gathering the family together every year will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Roy Lee Ross was preceded in death by his (maternal grandparents) Henry Shelby (grandfather), and Augusta Shelby (grandmother), parents Eldridge Ross (father), Novella Shelby (mother) Joyce Naomi Apple (sister), Katie R. King (close cousin).

Roy leaves to cherish his memories a devoted wife of 60 years, Janice M. Ross, his son Byron E. Ross (Arthena Ross), his daughter Diana M. Ross, his pride and joy grandchildren Chelsea Ross, Eric Ross, and Cameron Ross, Jasmine Jones (Aaliyah Jones) Great granddaughter LeeAnna Williams. A host of loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins far and near, and family and friends.

Roy Lee Ross departed this life peacefully surrounded by his family on the morning of November 2, 2025.

A visitation will be held on November 13, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, located in Remembrance Hall at 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46208.

Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will take place at the same location, beginning at 1:00 pm.