Johnnie Lee Ross, son of the late Willie Ross and Mary lee Ross, was born on October 14, 1938 in Gaffney, South Carolina. Following a prolonged illness, he departedthis life on August 17,2017. In addition to his parents, his loving wife Bessie, his brothers; Melvin, June and Billie as well as one sister Mary Willie, preceded him in death. Johnnie is survived by four caring sons; Timothy L. Ross, Kevin M. Ross, Jonathan P. Ross, (Nina) of Washington, D.C., and jason E. Ross (Diane) of Reidsville, N.C. His eight grandchildren and one great grandchild will miss him dearly; Jonathan "Rell" Wooten, Jasmine Savoy, Jason Savoy, Jaquan Savoy, Antwon Smith, Nyah Townsend, Chance Townsend, Jacy Ross and Jonathan Wooten Jr. He also leaves behind to mourn two brothers; Floyd (Brenda) and Nathaniel Ross and one sister Margaret Ann Blakeney. Johnnie will also be fondly remembered by his twelve nieces and nephews: Steven Lee, Deidric Cave, Sr. Nathan Littlejohn, Michael Littlejohn, Christopher Graham, Jamie Graham, Errol Graham, Lathier Graham, Kleesha Graham, Troy Hal, Keith Hall and leslie Blakely; as well as many beloved family members, church members and friends. Johynnie graduated from Granard high School in Gaffney, S.C. in 1967. That year he married his wife of over fifty years Bessie Mae Ross, and the couple relocated to Washington, D.C., shortly thereafter. In Washington, the couple joined Bethlehem Baptist Church, where Johnnie sang with the "Messengers" gospel group and served as a trustee while he was physically able. Outside of the church, johnnie worked for the D.C. Department of Public Works as a tree surgeon and D.C. WUSA as a civil engineer for a combined 40 years before he retired. Two of Johnnie's favorite things to do was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and watching his beloved Redskins on Sundays after church. Our beloved bequeathed to us a living legacy which time cannot erase. His life was an example of love, devotion, faithful service and an unshakable desire to serve the lord. His legacy will be a beacon of hope and encouragement to all who knew him.
