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Obituary For Gary Ross, Sr.
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, Edison 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.
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Kailan Burgess planted 1 trees in memory of Gary Ross, Sr. . - February 17, 2026
Kailan Burgess sent Beautiful Dreams for Gary Ross, Sr. - February 17, 2026
My sincere condolences to Sharon and the Ross family. R.I. P.
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R.I.P MY FRIEND
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My deepest condolences to my cousin Sharon and the Ross family. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Sheree D.
Gary and I were best Friends during our time together at William Penn. I met him in 1961, however he was already a legend. Gary excelled at every sport he played. I was privilege to know him and be his Friend. I had the pleasure of seeing him excel in sports. I became friends to the Ross Family and will always cherish my memories with Gary. Gary was a great Friend and I will miss him. We had some great times together growing up. May he rest in peace.
My condolences to the Ross family. God bless you all thru this difficult time.
Sharon I was truly hurt when I heard of the passing of my Hero Gary, he was definitely a good man and will be missed.
To Sharon& the entire Ross Family So sorry to learn of the passing of your loved one..Due to the beautiful friendship that my mother and Ms Isabell shared which made Gary my play cousinπ We can only find comfort that he is in the arms of a loving God and enjoying fellowship of family & friends who preceded him in death... May your heart soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times shared together π«ΆπΎ Sleep well cousin ππ½
To Sharon, Kim, Brad and the entire Ross Family. I send my sincere condolences to you all during this sorrowful time. I will forever remember the wonderful man that Gary was and the good times that I had the pleasure to share in his presence throughout the years when I lived in Harrisburg from our Les and Tiny's days, the Legion the Cougar's football games, he was always a pleasure to be around. Rest in Heavenly Peace my friend. Weeping May Endure for a Night, But Joy Comes in the Morning. Stephanie Williams Austell, Georgia β₯οΈπ
My condolences to Sharon and the Ross Family members. Wishing you comfort, peace and strength in the days to come.
My sincere condolences to the family and close friends of Gary. I like to share My fondness memory of Gary, which is a scholastic one, when I was a member of the Steel-High Rollers football team and we played William Penn at our Cottage Hill football field. I attempted to stop/tackle Gary as he ran thru me (I was a defensive tackle) (smiles), and he was a punishing runner as I found out that day, everything about Gary Ross as a running back - WAS TRUE! Rest in peace my friend, Go Bless you.
To Brad and family sorry for the loss of Gary π my family send our condolences and prayers to you and your family at this sad time. We are here if you need to talk. Cindy badgett and family. Olivia and Jerry Jones Hbg PA
My prayers and condolences to the family. Gary was a very nice guy he will be miss very much. Sharon sorry for the loss of your husband. RIP Gary
To Sharon and family my deepest condolences. Gary was a longtime friend and classmate. I will always cherish the good times we shared together. You will be missed but not forgotten. RIP.
RIP Gary praying for the family
Deepest sympathy to Gary's family. He was always a pleasant person with a smile that I never recall having anything negative to say about anyone.
I'm praying for you all. You all were truly blessed to have him as a father, grandfather,husband, great grandfather, son, brother cousin all of it. I'm glad I got to know him and love him and was blessed that he opened his home up to me and my babies as if we were one of his.. π I love you all πππ
Silent, Strong Dad He never looks for praise. He's never one to boast. He just goes on quietly working For those he loves the most. His dreams are seldom spoken. His wants are very few, And most of the time his worries Will go unspoken, too. He's there... a firm foundation Through all our storms of life, A sturdy hand to hold onto In times of stress and strife. A true friend we can turn to When times are good or bad. One of our greatest blessings, The man that we call Dad. Big Time, We miss & love you!
To Sharon and Ross family our deepest condolences may god Give you the strength and faith you need at this difficult time time RIP
R I P
Mrs. Sharon, My thoughts and prayers are with you. It's time to rest now Mr. Gary, but you will be deeply missed.
Erica and Corey Simmons
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
