Tom D. Ross

Thomas David Ross passed away on June 8th, 2024 at his home in Vero Beach, Florida. A visitation for will be held Friday, June 14, 2024 at 10 a.m. at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel followed by a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Entombment will take place at the Resthaven Cemetery Mausoleum following the service.

Tom was born on Dec. 25, 1944 in Ottumwa, Iowa as a Christmas gift to Nelle and Dave Ross, his loving parents and his brother, Roy. Upon Dave's return from WWII the family moved to Newton, Iowa where they resided until after his father's death in 1959. Tom spent his youth tripping, falling and breaking most things he touched...but after physically maturing he became a talented and accomplished athlete in high school lettering in every sport in which he participated...football, wrestling and track. His athletic prowess and determination was never on better display than as a member of the mile relay team in a regional meet against Des Moines opponents. Tom, as the last runner in the relay received the baton behind the then lead runner, in the final 220 yards. Tom sped to the lead, only to lose it and then with maximum effort regain it for the win. He was as skilled and determined on the football field as he was on the cinder track and as a starting halfback his performance earned him All Conference and All State honors and a scholarship to Iowa; where he was instrumental in the creation of the Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame.

Following his formal education, he returned to Des Moines to work for Jewett Lumber Company beginning his career in the lumber and building business. Tom was born to be in sales and customer relations with his effervescent personality and his innate ability to build personal relationships with essentially everyone he knew. There was no greater friend and associate once he knew you. During his early years with Jewett Lumber Company he met Gay Emerson..... who would become the love of his life and the two married in a small private ceremony in 1973. Tom became inseparable from Gay through the rest of his career and life. In 1985 Jewett Lumber merged with Gilchrist and Tom became a partner and VP of Sales in a venture that would become far better and bigger than the previous entities individually. Tom was an enthusiastic communicator and terrific mentor and leader. He took great pride in his part of the management team, helping the growth and success of the business. His influence reached far beyond.

After retirement in 2005, Tom and Gay moved to South Carolina, and later ultimately moved to Vero Beach, Fl. Tom always enjoyed a good conversation about sports and world politics, and loved the game of golf. There was nothing he and his brother enjoyed more than their free time together playing golf which his brother will sorely miss. An unimaginable idea when they were young, that became a pure joy for both.

Tom is survived by his wife Gay of Vero Beach and his brother Roy and wife Barbara of Southern Pines NC. He will certainly be missed by all those who crossed his path for he could make any day brighter.

Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd, Vero Beach, Florida 32960 or to a charity of your choosing in memory of Tom.