Samuel Lee Ross, Sr.

Samuel Lee Ross, Senior, 90, entered into eternal peace on Friday, December 18, 2020, following several months of in-home care in Taylor, Texas. He was lovingly cared for by his wife of 14 years, Vivian L. Francis Ross, his eldest daughter, Verna McKentie and his other children.

Samuel was born November 28, 1930 in Gay Hill, TX, to Charlie “Jim” Ross and Mabel (Mitchell) Ross. In 1950, he married Senora (Currington) Ross. To this union, seven children were born. Samuel is survived by all of his children who reside in Texas: Verna McKentie of Houston, Sheila Henderson of Round Rock, Samuel Ross, Jr. (Carolyn) of Dallas, Waymon Ross, Sr. of Carrollton, Bradford Ross (Janet) of Carrollton, Louis Ross of Allen, and Sonya Roberts (Sam) of Round Rock. He also has 17 grandchildren, Keisha Moore (Eric) of Garland, Waymon Ross, Jr. of Austin, Motrice McKentie III of Houston, Dexter McKentie (Angel) of Houston, Cicely Mckentie of Houston, Colin Mckentie (Teara) of Alvin, Stephanie Gaston (Jay) of Duncanville, Samuel Ross III of Dallas, Chandreia Owens of Dallas, DeShay Carter (Nathalia) of Houston, Nicholas Ross of Carrollton, Brooke Ross of Carrollton, Lauren Reed (Sam) of Virginia, Meghan (Evan) Winston of Chicago, Simone Roberts of New York, Celeste Roberts of Lubbock, Corinne Roberts of Houston, and a host of great-grandchildren.

At Alcoa in Rockdale, TX, Samuel worked as an instrument mechanic for 29 years. He also ran a household appliance repair service in his free time. His hands and mind were never idle.

Determined to be a faithful servant, Samuel became a brotherhood leader and deacon in the church and later became a  preacher. He preached his first sermon at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Taylor, Texas. Afterward, his greatest joy was serving members of his congregations at New Hope Baptist Church in Franklin, TX, then Macedonia Baptist Church in Bremond, TX and for 34 years, he served as pastor of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Rockdale, TX.

Samuel, or Pastor Ross (as so many called him) also served as Moderator of the LaGrange Baptist District Association, as Vice-President of the Southwest Region of the BME State Congress and held several other positions throughout his service in the LaGrange Association. At his passing, he held Emeritus status in each of these positions.

In 2006, Pastor Ross married Vivian Francis. They resided in Taylor, Texas and enjoyed their time together while also spending time with family, working in the church, and traveling.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Senora; his parents, Charlie and Mabel; and three brothers, HL, Leroy and Eugene.

Arrangements are entrusted to Providence Funeral Home, Taylor, Texas. Due to COVID, masks are required and the family will have an invitation-only, private ceremony.

Those who still wish to view, may access Pastor Ross’ livestream video Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 1PM through Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/taylorprovidence

Condolences may be sent to 706 Mockingbird Lane, Taylor, Texas 76574 and for those who desire to extend a memorial donation in memory of Pastor Ross, may do so by choosing their charity of choice below:

• The LaGrange Baptist District Association (Giddings)

• Springfield Missionary Baptist Church (Rockdale).