Clifton Walter Ross Jr.

Clifton Walter Ross, Jr. “Hot Shot”, grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, one of four boys, born June 12, 1931 to Elizabeth and Clifton Walter Ross. He traced his family’s Scottish heritage to John Mapp, who immigrated with his family to America sometime between 1649 and 1660. His family became farmers, carpenters and builders. Growing up poor in a Depression era family, “Shot” went to work at an early age earning nickels and dimes wherever he could. Among his many industries were jobs shining shoes, setting pins at the bowling alley, washing cars, working at the family service station in Campostella and a very short lived stint as a chicken plucker. His favorite memories were of playing every kind ball with his numerous friends and playing the Coronet in the Salvation Army band. Cliff graduated from Maury HS in 1949.

One day, while riding the city bus to Maury, Cliff met Louise Canady, who was on her way to business school. They enjoyed spending time with their mutual friends and families in Norfolk and eventually tied the knot in May of 1952. The US Army came calling 3 weeks after the wedding and Cliff was sent to Darmstadt, Germany for 20 months. There he added to his numerous skills as a supply sergeant with the Bridge Company. After coming home in 1954, he returned to his job working for the C&P Telephone Company as a line man while continuing to serve in the Army Reserves until 1960.

Cliff and Louise established a happy home in the River Forrest Shores neighborhood of Norfolk. Alongside his grandfather and two of his friends, Cliff built their first home from scratch, honing carpentry skills that he would use for many years to come. Their first son, Clifton Michael, was born in 1956, followed by their son Chuck, in 1959. A promotion enabled the whole family to move in 1964 to Fairfax County in Northern Virginia. Together they discovered new places as they visited many sites and cities around the DC area. They returned to live among their many friends and family members in Virginia Beach in 1966. At the end of his fruitful career of 35 years, he retired as a manager for the renamed Bell Atlantic Telephone.

Cliff also loved to garden and his beautiful yard and flowerbeds rivaled the Botanical Gardens when they blossomed each spring. His skill in carpentry and woodworking served him well as over the years as he helped to build homes for both of his sons and their families. After retiring from the phone company he started a “handyman” business which kept him in demand tackling any and all manner of jobs. He and Louise loved to travel and visited many cities across America by car, train, boat and plane. He also found time to play and work on projects with his four grandchildren, Kevin, Josh, Allison and Michelle. His great granddaughter Waverly, was joined by another beautiful baby girl, Eloise, in 2019.

After the passing of Louise in 2004, Cliff remained an active member of Bayside Baptist Church where he enjoyed serving with various committees and men’s groups. He was blessed to meet and marry Ann Meador in 2005. Ann was a wonderful travelling companion and together they hit the road in search of beautiful vistas and country musicals. Cliff and Ann made a church home at First Baptist Norfolk and were dedicated members of the Shepherds Life Group.