Table of Contents
Arthur Ross
Major Arthur Coleman Ross married Major Irene Ross firstly and Major Florence Swyers after her death.
| Major Arthur Ross | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Rank | Major |
| Birth Date | August 12, 1923 |
| Death Date | August 19, 2008 |
| Relations | Major Irene Ross (wife) |
| Major Florence Swyers (wife) | |
Obituary
Services for Major Arthur C. Ross of Tyler are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008, at Lloyd James Funeral chapel with Major Henry Gonzales, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, officiating and Rev. Huey Harpe, Music Minister of the First Baptist Church of Tyler, assisting. Graveside services will follow at Cathedral in the Pines under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home.
Major Ross was promoted to Glory Aug. 19, 2008, in Tyler after a lengthy illness.
Major Ross was born on Aug. 12, 1923, in rural Greenville, N.C., where he and his four brothers and sisters worked their farm, raising themselves during the Depression after his parents' death when he was 12 years old. He developed many skills and attributes that were instrumental to his future.
When he entered the U.S. Army at the age of 17, his clerical talent was quickly discovered. He was promoted to the Office of Strategic Services as Postmaster in Washington, D.C., serving his country in a high security position during World War II.
After discharge, he was called to serve humanity through the Salvation Army, and dedicated his life to God's work. Major Ross met his first wife, Irene Potts Ross, in college. Following their marriage they served in various cities in Alabama, Tennessee and Texas where they ministered together for 41 years. Some of the hallmarks of his career include the establishment of 14 major building projects and the design of the first mobile canteen to be used in disaster relief. He was also privileged to be a certified chaplain of the American Correctional Association, counseling death row inmates. In addition to being instrumental in business aspects of the Salvation Army, he also worked on race relations in Alabama with Dr. Martin Luther King and Gov. George C. Wallace. His service to his fellow man did not end with his retirement. In addition, he was active in many civic organizations, including the Shriners, Masons and Rotary Club.
Following the death of his wife, Irene in 1993, God later blessed him with his marriage to Maj. Florence Swyers of Tyler in 1997. Together they were active in the First Baptist Church in Tyler.
Maj. Ross is survived by his wife, Florence; son and daughter, David Ross and Linda Towers-Nichols; daughter-in-law Joyce Ross, son-in-law and closest friend, Charles Nichols; grandsons, Nathan Towers and Joshua Towers; great-grandson, Trevor Towers; and many other nieces, nephews and the close family of Florence Swyers Ross, and a host of friends.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bethesda Medical Clinic at First Baptist Church, 409 W. Ferguson, Tyler, 75702; or Salvation Army Missionary Fund, 633 N. Broadway, Tyler, 75702.
Tyler Morning Telegraph (Tyler, Texas), August 24, 2008