Willie J. Gross

Willie J. Gross, 79 of Fort Smith, AR passed away peacefully on August 26, 2022 at Baptist Health hospital. Willie was born on September 6, 1942 at home in Haskell, Oklahoma, to Willie Fay and Lillie Pearl (Qualls) Gross. Willie graduated from Fort Smith High school where he met the love of his life Sally. After High school he joined the Army and served in Germany. Upon returning married Sally on September 14, 1963. The January following Willie joined the Air force. After serving his country in Oklahoma City, OK and Alexandria, VA the couple moved back to Fort Smith where they finished raising their four daughters. Willie worked for Harding Glass for ten years as their accountant until they closed and he became the accountant for Stephens Production for 30 years before retiring.

Willie and Sally loved taking trips to Branson and trips to visit their family. When Willie wasn’t watching old TV shows and snacking on popcorn and peanut M&M’s, you could always hear him talking about accounting, numbers, finances and occasionally complaining about taxes. Spending time with family was the joy in his life.

Willie is survived by his mother Lillie Pearl Gross, Daughters, Kristin Francis and husband, Tim of Gravette, AR; Sherri Frachiseur and husband, Charles of Grannis, AR; Brenda Vass and husband, Brian of St. Augustine, FL; and Sally Smith and husband, Sam of Gravette, AR. 17 Grandchildren, Alyssa Junyor and husband, Josh; Aaron Francis and wife, Hannah; Amberli Francis; Ashton Francis; Avery Francis; Andrew Francis; Andrea Francis; Aiden Francis; Adalynn Francis; Brad Vass; Brent Vass; Brenna Vass; Jennifer Rice; Ashlyn Montalvo-Frachiseur and husband, Brandon; Justin Frachiseur; Jerrod Frachiseur and Audrey Smith. 4 Great-grandchildren Raleigh Rice, Jayden Rice, Jenavieve Rice and Jessa Rice. Sister, Marilyn Gross and Brother Sammy Gross and wife, Kathy. Numerous other brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Sally (Glosson) Gross, father Willie Fay Gross, father-in-law, Lonnie Glosson and mother-in-law, Ruth (Moore) Glosson.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that you please make a donation to Community Rescue Mission, 310 North F Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas; www.fscrm.org in honor of Willie.