Jack Ross

Jack Ross, 76 of Midland, passed away on Friday, August 25, 2017. The family will be accepting guests from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Monday, August 28, 2017, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at Greenwood Baptist Church on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at 10:00am with Pastor Michael Griffin officiating. Graveside services will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.Jack was born on January 23, 1941 in Connersville, Indiana to Jack and Gladys Ross. Throughout his childhood and into his young adult life, Jack participated in all types of sports. From little league to church league softball, much of his life was spent in the sports arena. While in high school he played football, basketball, and track; excelling in each of these. He graduated from Connersville High School in Connersville, Indiana in 1960. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1960 – 1964. His most memorable times were spent in Scotland and participating in the base sports teams. Upon his discharge, Jack returned home to Connersville where he met and married Robin Lucille Smith on August 28, 1965. Jack and Robin welcomed daughter Kim in the spring of 1971 and daughter Tricia in 1976.In 1981, he decided to move the family to west Texas, and made Greenwood their home for the past 36 years. During that time he worked as an independent contractor, and for the City of Midland, finally retiring from Pioneer Natural Resources in 2014.Jack's hobbies included fishing and all things sports. He passed on his love of sports to his girls. Whether on the makeshift diamond in the backyard or the basketball court in the driveway, he was always the best practice partner; teaching them that you can never throw a ball hard enough (so better have your glove ready) or shoot the basketball well enough to beat him at a game of horse. Jack and Robin supported their girls in all their activities throughout their childhood, high school, and college years. His love of sports was not only shared with his girls, but also with the community of Greenwood. One of Jack's proudest times was spent as the \Voice of the Rangers\, announcing every home football game from 1986 to 2005. His support also included following the basketball, football, and baseball teams all over west Texas with some of his best friends by his side. He was never too old, never too sick and the weather was never too bad to watch the Rangers and Rangerettes play.Jack's sense of humor and personality were infectious. People were drawn to him, he never met a stranger. His love of family was evident in time spent following and visiting with his children and grandchildren. Pops was never too busy. He always had a story to tell and one of his favorite times to tell them was while sitting on his front porch.Jack had a strong, but quiet faith. He gave his life to the Lord at the age of 35, being baptized alongside his oldest daughter, Kim. His faith was evident in his servant's heart, giving freely even when he didn't have a lot to give. Jack leaves behind a legacy of hard work, compassion, and love of family and community. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.Jack is survived by brother, Richard L. Ross and wife Linda of Cambridge City, Indiana; daughter, Kim Murphey and husband Terry of Midland, Texas; daughter, Tricia Redwine and husband Jeff also of Midland, Texas; grandson, Terry Lee Murphey and wife Hayden of McCamey, Texas; grandson, Timothy Murphey of San Antonio, Texas; grandson, Zach Redwine of San Marcos, Texas; and granddaughter, Kaitlin Murphey of Midland, Texas; great-grandchildren, Kannon Tate and Blakeley Kait Murphey of McCamey, Texas; along with numerous nieces and nephews.Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Gladys Ross, and his beloved wife of 52 years, Robin L. Ross.The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Ashutosh Rastogie and the staff of Texas Oncology at Allison Cancer Center, Midland Memorial Hospital Oncology and ACE units, Hospice of Midland, Fellowship Baptist Church, Greenwood Independent School District and Football Booster Club. A special thank you to Don Swafford, Bob Mayo, Wayne Barber and Tony Ham. You have been his companions, his travel partners, and his friends. You were a constant presence in a time of uncertainty. He loved you all and always looked forward to your times together.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.,