GARY LEROY ROSS, Sr., the son of the late Isabelle Ross and the late George Jenkins, was born January 31,1944 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

In his youth, Gary was actively involved in the Monroe Street Church of God.

Gary attended Downey Elementary School, Camp Curtin Junior High School and William Penn High School. He excelled in football and was one of the Top Running Backs in William Penn History. He was also a standout in basketball, baseball and track. He was awarded an athletic scholarship for football to attend Arizona State University.

After college, he was drafted into the United States Army on May 4, 1966 and Honorably Discharged on April 20, 1968.

After the Army, Gary worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania before working for Conrail/Norfolk Southern Railroad and retired after 37 years of service.

In his leisure, he enjoyed watching old western movies and any type of sports event that was on television. He also enjoyed attending all Harrisburg Cougars Sports games.

Gary was awarded an award by the Commitment to Excellence Committee, he was inducted into the Harrisburg City School District Athletic Hall of Fame on April 27, 2024 and the Big 33 Legends on May 26, 2024. He was a member of Ephraim Slaughter American Legion Post 733 for 43 years and he was also a member of the Harrisburg Sportsman Club.

On Friday, January 30, 2026, Gary Leroy Ross, Sr. at the age of 81, transitioned into eternal life at home with his wife by his side.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded into death by his daughter, Dinette Hurt and his brothers, Oliver, Jay and Dennis.

Gary leaves to celebrate his life and to cherish precious memories of him, his loving wife, Sharon Mills-Ross; his devoted daughter, Kimberly Ross-Seals (Raymond); Sons, Gary L. Ross, Jr. (Sondra), Timothy Buffington (Marsha), Thomas Buffington and Kareem Mills; his brother, Brad N. Ross (Terri); 22 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; his loving aunt, Ora Echols; sisters in law, Sylvia Ross and Karen Mills; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many many friends.

The family would like to thank UPMC Carlisle Hospital and Homeland Hospice for their outstanding care and compassionate services given to our loved one and family during this difficult time.

Gary's life will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in the Sanctuary of Living Water Community Church, 206 Oakleigh Avenue, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. and burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.