Larry "LD" Ross

Larry Ross, 83, of Lake Panasoffkee, FL passed away Monday, March 7, 2016 at Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan, AL. Funeral service will be 2 p.m (CST), Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Salem United Methodist Church with Rev. Chester Padgett officiating. Burial is to follow in Marvin Chapel Cemetery with U.S. Military Honors by Ft. Rucker, James & Lipford Funeral Home in Graceville directing. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at his home church, Lake Panasoffkee United Methodist Church. Flowers accepted or family request those wishing to make memorials may send to Salem United Methodist Church, 262 Tri-County Road, Graceville, FL 32440 or Lake Panasoffkee United Methodist Church, 589 North County Road 470, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538. Larry, affectionately known as "Coach Ross" to many, was born in Prattville, AL, to the late Duncan and Vera Powell Ross. He was a 1951 graduate of Autauga County High School in Prattville, AL. A U.S. Army Korean War Veteran, Larry received both his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Troy State University in Troy, AL. During the forty-one years of his educational career, he was a history teacher, basketball and football coach, principal and retired as Director of Secondary Education with the Sumter County, Florida School System. His teaching and coaching career began in Green Cove Springs, FL at Clay County High School and continued at Suwanee County High School in Live Oak, FL. Beginning in 1963, Larry spent many years at Graceville High School as a history teacher, basketball and football coach and principal. In 1977, he moved to Lake Panasoffkee as principal of South Sumter High School in Bushnell, FL and retired in Sumter County. Larry was an active member of Lake Panasoffkee United Methodist Church. Predeceased by his parents and mother-in-law Tootsie Williams. He is survived by his beloved wife Louise Williams Ross; sons: John Ross (Julie), Ocala, FL, Stephen "Stump" Ross (Linda), Panama City, FL, Tim McGinnis (Nicky), Clearwater, FL; daughter Cindy "CJ" Mekkelsen (Mick), Ecuador; sister Patsy Struthers (Howard), Montgomery, AL; grandchildren: Tiffany Woodham(Kyle), Lindsey Daniels (David), Capt. Christopher Ross (Liesl), USAF, Matthew Ross (Rachel), Abby Ross, Amber McGinnis, Autumn McGinnis; four great grandchildren: Crews Woodham, Brogan Woodham, Addie Daniels, Adaleigh Ross; father-in-law Arthur Williams; brother-in-law Art Williams (B.T.); niece Lynn Struthers, nephew Craig Struthers (Jill).

Larry "LD" Ross

November 6, 1932 - March 7, 2016