John Oliver Ross, Sr.

by Lynn McMillen
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John Oliver Ross, Sr. 72, of Guntersville, Alabama, passed away peacefully July 30, 2022.
John was born in Guntersville on January 28, 1950 to Zoanne Green and Oliver Street Ross.
He graduated from Darlington School (Rome, GA) in 1968, and went on to obtain a degree in Industrial
Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1972, where he was a member of Sigma Nu
Fraternity. It was during his time in Atlanta that he met the love of his life, Christine Cheryl Birkholz.
John and Chris wed on October 14, 1972, and subsequently moved to Guntersville. John joined the
family business, Ross-Graden Lumber Company, and ultimately became a third-generation partner
before retiring in 2015.
John’s prolific hobbies and interests included sailing, trains, flying kites at the beach, Marshall County
history, meteorology, astronomy, and exploring sites around Guntersville. He loved bluegrass music, and
played the bass, mandolin and banjo, occasionally joining the Front Porch Pickers. He was known for
always having a “Big Time” and enjoyed “gatoring” at weddings and events. In retirement, John’s love of
history led him to his involvement with the Guntersville Historical Society in researching General Andrew
Jackson’s march through Marshall County.
John leaves us with countless stories and memories that bring smiles to many faces and keep us
laughing. This, along with his generosity to his family and numerous friends, is his legacy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver Street Ross and Zoanne Green Ross, and his sister, Nancy
Ross Hindman.
John is survived by his wife, Christine Birkholz Ross, his children, Carolyn Ross Jordan (Frank “Bubba”),
John Oliver Ross, Jr. (Sarah), Amelia Ross Ricks (Adam), Beavis Ross, and seven grandchildren
(Madeleine, Frank, Ceile, Oliver, Anna Louis, Anderson and Agnes).
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Carr Funeral Home. Please visit their website or call for
information.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Guntersville Historical Society, P.O.
Box 236, Guntersville, AL 35976.

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