Ray Thomas Ross

Ray was born in Houston, Texas on February 2, 1937 to George Tracy and Gloria Maxine Ross. He grew up in Bellaire until they moved to Corpus Christi, where he graduated high school. Upon graduation, he went to Del Mar Junior College for 2 years before transferring to the University of Texas in Austin. In 1961 he graduated with a degree in architectural engineering.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Thompson Ross, his sons, Randy and wife, Cynthia Ross of King George, VA, Robert Ross of Patuxent River, MD, Roger and wife, Heather Ross of Holiday, FL and his daughter, Rhonda and husband, Darryl Fitch of Spring, TX. He has 8 grandchildren, Tiffany De Boer, Brandon Ross, Jason Ross, John Fitch, Dawn Ross, Samantha Hom, Taylor Ross and Mikayla Ross, as well as 11 great grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents George and Maxine Ross, and his son, Rodney Lee Ross.

Ray served in the Naval Reserves for 8 years. He worked as an architectural engineer for 24 years before starting his own general contracting company with his oldest son Randy. Construction was his livelihood, but bluegrass music was his passion. You could hear it playing in his truck and if there was a bluegrass festival near or far, you could find him there whenever he could get away to one. He volunteered for many years at Winterhawk Bluegrass Festival (later renamed Greyfox) in upstate New York. Ray loved dancing and was part owner in Cotton Eyed Joe’s, a Country Western night club in Maryland. He also loved cats, playing bridge, theater, movies, travel, Tex-Mex food, margaritas, Washington Nationals baseball and Texas Longhorn football. His quick wit and easy smile will be missed by all who knew him.

A visitation for Ray will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203.

A graveside service will be held Friday, March 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale St., Houston, TX 77023.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphy-funeralhomes.com for the Ross family.