Edward L. Ross

Edward L. Ross Sr., age 87 of Rocky Mount passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2016. He was born in Endicott on February 27, 1929 to the late Leroy Ross and Sally Cannaday Ross and was also preceded in death by his sister, Iva Jones. He was a lifelong resident of Franklin County. He was a member of Rocky Mount Christian Church and served in the United States Army in Korea from 1952 until 1954. His career included ownership of Foreign Car Specialists in Roanoke and Ross Toyota Sales in Martinsville. Edward had lifelong interest in automobiles, including building racing cars and had licenses to race in International races including the 1968, 24 hours of Daytona Race where he finished third in class. Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Nina Flora Ross; two sons, Edward L. Ross Jr. (Lee) and wife Patricia, David E. Ross and wife Kari; five grandchildren and one great-grand child, two step-children; Debbie Pollard and husband Gill, Charles Payne and wife, Beth, five step-grandchildren; sisters, Ruth Dandridge, Jean Draper; brother-in-law, Walter Jones. When Ed was well, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. Many laughs and stories were shared while he opened his motor home to anyone willing to ride along. His motorsport legacy lives on in his sons who love sports car racing and motorcycles, whether watching on TV or participating at track side. Funeral services will be conducted at Rocky Mount Christian Church, 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 20, 2016 with Rev. Matthew Ricks officiating. Interment will follow at Franklin Memorial Park. His family will receive friends 4:00-6:00 p.m. Saturday at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.