Funeral services for Gary Ross, 76, of Wayne will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at First Baptist Purcell with burial to follow at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at the Wilson-Little Funeral Home. Services will be under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home of Purcell.
Mr. Ross passed away suddenly on November 15, 2024, in his home.
Gary Lynn Ross was born on January 24, 1948, to Ira Lee Ross and Margaret (Bible) Ross in Lindsay, Okla.
He grew up on a farm near Payne and attended school in Wayne. He graduated with the Bulldog class of 1966. Gary then went on to attend college at Cameron State College where he studied Agriculture and Oklahoma State University where he studied Agriculture Education.
While still in high school, Gary was showing sheep at the State Fair when he was set up on a blind date with Barbara Jean Smith. They hit it off and were married five years later on June 6, 1969. Gary and Barbara returned to Wayne where he taught Vocational Agriculture for over 30 years, until he retired. He was currently working part time at McClain Bank, assisting with agriculture appraisals.
Gary was a sheep farmer for over 52 years and his passion became a family cornerstone. Any time he had away from the classroom or bank was spent tending to his sheep with his family, making sure they were all well cared for. When he could take a break, Gary could be found in his recliner enjoying a good John Wayne movie, the rodeo, or college football games. He was a big supporter of his granddaughters; he attended FFA events and band contests every chance he got. Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who will be dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Margaret Ross; his in-laws, Esque and Georgia Smith; his siblings, Ira Ross Jr. and wife, Elfreida, Bobbie Jean Stockard and husband, Jim, Jimmy Ross and wife, Betty, Anna Lou Young and husband, Hurley, and Don Ross and wife, Kathy; brothers in-law, Charles Smith and Tommy Smith and his nephew, Kent Ross.
Gary is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Jean Ross of the home; daughter, Becky Mainord and husband, Chad, of Purcell; his grandchildren, Caitlyn Mainord of Purcell, Ashton (Mainord) Vance and husband, Kaleb, of Noble; his sister-in-law, Minnie Smith of Tulsa and numerous nieces and nephews.
Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonlittle.com.