(601) 833-6680

  • 1


Thomas A. Ross III

A private memorial service for Thomas A. Ross III will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023.

Mr. Ross, 73, of Brookhaven, died November 26, 2023. He was born October 22, 1950, to Thomas A. Ross, Jr. and Rosalind Butler Ross.

Mr. Ross received his MFA from University of Georgia in 1974, BA from Mississippi College in 1972, and retired from Copiah Lincoln Community College as an instructor of art after 43 years. He was an active member in Decell UMC, in Wesson and continued to actively paint until his death. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, preferably at the Spring River in Arkansas, but also simply going to his pond. His greatest joy was his family. He was a loving and faithful husband, son, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He also cared for all animals and was the past president of Brookhaven Animal Rescue League. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends as well as the faith family at Decell UMC.

He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas A. Ross, Jr.

Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Gayle Megginson Ross, of Brookhaven; mother, Rosalind Butler Ross of Madison, MS; daughter, Arwen Ross Grippi and husband, Cameron; brother, Timothy Ross and sister-in-law, Susan Ross; two grandchildren, Katie Sharak and Tommy Sharak; and one great granddaughter, Lois Sharak. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends, and his cats.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Decell UMN, 2022 US 51, Wesson, MS 39191, or the Brookhaven Animal Resue League, 501 Northpark Lane, Brookhaven, MS 39601.

9 comments

  • Comment Link Jodie Sartin Tuesday, 05 December 2023 04:21 posted by Jodie Sartin

    To the Ross family: Thank you for sharing Tom with us for so many years. He taught me with my friend, Gayle Anders in 1983-85. Gayle, Arwin’s babysitter ❤️ and a very talented artist as well, had an unfortunate diving accident in 1986 that left her a quadriplegic. Tom was a big support for her. The three of us remained friends over the years, meeting occasionally for lunch to “catch up.” He later taught both my kids. He was one of a kind: talented, big hearted, compassionate and hilarious. Not everyone was able to see all those sides but Gayle (Anders) and I —for some reason— were allowed to. He was such an inspiration to both of us. Even after her accident, Gayle is an amazing artist partly because Tom taught her that “art was in the mind, not in the hands.” Rest in peace friend. I can imagine you are living the life you imagined (and put on canvas) today. We love you, Jodie (Spence) Sartin Brookhaven, MS) and Gayle Anders (Natchez, MS)

    Report
  • Comment Link Myra S. Bui Saturday, 02 December 2023 02:22 posted by Myra S. Bui

    So sad to learn of his passing. Mr. Ross taught ART while I attended Co-Lin in 86. He also served many years during the summer with the Upward Bound program. I have a drawing he did at a BSU meeting from my college days that is even more precious now. Well done Sir.

    Report
  • Comment Link Janet smith Thursday, 30 November 2023 06:10 posted by Janet smith

    Tom I will miss you!! My fried and mentor! Knowing you blessed my life and my career decision. I wound not be the artist and teacher I am without you. I will miss our road trips to the state show when we talked so much we drove 50 miles past our destination!! I will miss coffee trailing you down the hallways at Co-Lin!! I’m going to celebrate your life through mine!! Heaven will never be the same with you there!! I love you my friend!! Bless Gayle, Arwen, your sweet mother and grandchildren!!

    Report
  • Comment Link Robin Hammond Wednesday, 29 November 2023 22:23 posted by Robin Hammond

    I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I have very fond memories of Mr. Ross from Co-Lin. My prayers are with you.

    Report
  • Comment Link Alan Randall Wednesday, 29 November 2023 15:06 posted by Alan Randall

    I was Tom’s pastor for one year. While at Decell UMC Tom showed his support and devotion to me as his pastor and to his faith family of Decell UMC. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. Go rest high on that mountain my brother. A race well run!

    Report
  • Comment Link Martha Wright Wednesday, 29 November 2023 12:23 posted by Martha Wright

    My son was his HEADWAE Student when Mr Ross won HEADWAE Faculty member at CoLin. Our family has always loved and respected him through the years as he encouraged our son. He even persuaded him to go to Mississippi State to pursue his major in graphic design. That friendship has never died.
    Our son is Jonathan (Josh) Wright

    Report
  • Comment Link Wayne Tanner Wednesday, 29 November 2023 10:41 posted by Wayne Tanner

    friend from CO-LIN

    Report
  • Comment Link SETH ALLEN Wednesday, 29 November 2023 08:28 posted by SETH ALLEN

    Saddened to hear of the passing of one of my favorite teachers. Such a great teacher and friend. He will surely be missed.

    Report
  • Comment Link Doug and Aleta Schexnayder Wednesday, 29 November 2023 07:51 posted by Doug and Aleta Schexnayder

    Dear Gayle and Family, Doug and I were saddened to read about Tom's passing. He was a true friend and fishing buddy to Doug for many years. It was always a pleasure to visit with him. He was kind and compassionate. Our prayers are with you and your dear family.

    Report

Leave a comment

Obituaries

  • Charles Edwin McCall

    Charles Edwin McCall

    The funeral service for Charles Edwin McCall will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 24th, at Riverwood Family with burial in

    Read More
  • Mary Ruth James Berry

    Mary Ruth James Berry

    A memorial service for Mary Ruth James Berry will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 25th at Riverwood

    Read More
  • Randy Ray Peets

    Randy Ray Peets

    A memorial gathering will be held for Randy Ray Peets from 9-11 am, Monday January 20th, at Riverwood Family with

    Read More
  • John Ray Pounds

    John Ray Pounds

    The funeral service for John Ray Pounds will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 20, 2025, at Riverwood Family. The

    Read More
  • Tony Louis Stuart

    Tony Louis Stuart

    The funeral service for Tony Louis Stuart will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 18, 2024, at Riverwood Family. The

    Read More
  • Roy Rogers Roberts

    Roy Rogers Roberts

    The funeral for Roy Rogers Roberts will be 11 a.m., Friday, January 17, at Riverwood Family with burial in Gum

    Read More
  • James Pressley Mason

    James Pressley Mason

    The funeral service for James Pressley Mason (aka “Poppa Bear”) will be 3 p.m., Thursday, January 16, at Riverwood Family

    Read More
  • Judith Gail

    Judith Gail "Judy" Davis

    The funeral service for Judith Gail “Judy” Davis will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 16th, at Riverwood Family with

    Read More
  • Sybil Carmen Jackson Freeman

    Sybil Carmen Jackson Freeman

    The funeral service for Sybil Carmen Jackson Freeman will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 15, at Riverwood Family with burial

    Read More
  • Daniel Lee

    Daniel Lee "Dan" Misch

    The funeral service for Daniel Lee “Dan” Misch will be Noon, Tuesday, January 14th, at Johnson Grove Church of Christ

    Read More
  • Sharon Beatrice Lambert

    Sharon Beatrice Lambert

    The funeral service for Sharon Beatrice Lambert will be 11 a.m., Monday, January 13, at Riverwood Family with burial in

    Read More
  • Clara Sue Patt

    Clara Sue Patt

    The funeral service for Clara Sue Patt will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Riverwood Family. Visitation will

    Read More
  • Pansy Alice Alexander Dunaway

    Pansy Alice Alexander Dunaway

    Our Dear "Nanu" Pansy Alexander Dunaway passed away from this life but woke in heaven with her Savior, Jesus Christ,

    Read More
  • Peggy Mae Whitlow

    Peggy Mae Whitlow

    Ms. Peggy Mae Whitlow, 76, of McComb, MS, died January 8, 2025, at her residence. She was born September 8,

    Read More
  • Scott Baker Morse

    Scott Baker Morse

    Scott Baker Morse, 53, of Hazlehurst, MS, died January 5, 2025, at CCMC in Hazlehurst. He was born in Putnam,

    Read More
  • Sandra Davis Nunnery

    Sandra Davis Nunnery

    Mrs. Sandra Davis Nunnery, 72, of Magnolia, MS, died January 5, 2025, at her residence. She was born in Magnolia

    Read More
  • Steve Parker

    Steve Parker

    The funeral service for Steve Parker will be Noon, on Friday, January 10, at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church. Visitation

    Read More
  • Dr. Hugh Leggett

    Dr. Hugh Leggett

    Dr. Hugh V. Leggett, Jr. of Brookhaven, Mississippi, passed away on 12/23/2024 at the age of 79. Born in Lincoln

    Read More
  • Darrell Dean Perry

    Darrell Dean Perry

    A memorial gathering will be held for Darrell Dean Perry on Tuesday, January 7th at Riverwood Family from 9 – 10

    Read More
  • Larry David Stafford

    Larry David Stafford

    Funeral service for Larry David Stafford will be 11 a.m., Monday, January 6, at Riverwood Family with burial in Union

    Read More
  • 1

Obituaries

  • Charles Edwin McCall

    Charles Edwin McCall

    The funeral service for Charles Edwin McCall will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 24th, at Riverwood Family with burial in

    Read More
  • Mary Ruth James Berry

    Mary Ruth James Berry

    A memorial service for Mary Ruth James Berry will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 25th at Riverwood

    Read More
  • Randy Ray Peets

    Randy Ray Peets

    A memorial gathering will be held for Randy Ray Peets from 9-11 am, Monday January 20th, at Riverwood Family with

    Read More
  • John Ray Pounds

    John Ray Pounds

    The funeral service for John Ray Pounds will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 20, 2025, at Riverwood Family. The

    Read More
  • Tony Louis Stuart

    Tony Louis Stuart

    The funeral service for Tony Louis Stuart will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 18, 2024, at Riverwood Family. The

    Read More
  • Roy Rogers Roberts

    Roy Rogers Roberts

    The funeral for Roy Rogers Roberts will be 11 a.m., Friday, January 17, at Riverwood Family with burial in Gum

    Read More
  • James Pressley Mason

    James Pressley Mason

    The funeral service for James Pressley Mason (aka “Poppa Bear”) will be 3 p.m., Thursday, January 16, at Riverwood Family

    Read More
  • Judith Gail

    Judith Gail "Judy" Davis

    The funeral service for Judith Gail “Judy” Davis will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 16th, at Riverwood Family with

    Read More
  • Sybil Carmen Jackson Freeman

    Sybil Carmen Jackson Freeman

    The funeral service for Sybil Carmen Jackson Freeman will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 15, at Riverwood Family with burial

    Read More
  • Daniel Lee

    Daniel Lee "Dan" Misch

    The funeral service for Daniel Lee “Dan” Misch will be Noon, Tuesday, January 14th, at Johnson Grove Church of Christ

    Read More
  • Sharon Beatrice Lambert

    Sharon Beatrice Lambert

    The funeral service for Sharon Beatrice Lambert will be 11 a.m., Monday, January 13, at Riverwood Family with burial in

    Read More
  • Clara Sue Patt

    Clara Sue Patt

    The funeral service for Clara Sue Patt will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Riverwood Family. Visitation will

    Read More
  • Pansy Alice Alexander Dunaway

    Pansy Alice Alexander Dunaway

    Our Dear "Nanu" Pansy Alexander Dunaway passed away from this life but woke in heaven with her Savior, Jesus Christ,

    Read More
  • Peggy Mae Whitlow

    Peggy Mae Whitlow

    Ms. Peggy Mae Whitlow, 76, of McComb, MS, died January 8, 2025, at her residence. She was born September 8,

    Read More
  • Scott Baker Morse

    Scott Baker Morse

    Scott Baker Morse, 53, of Hazlehurst, MS, died January 5, 2025, at CCMC in Hazlehurst. He was born in Putnam,

    Read More
  • Sandra Davis Nunnery

    Sandra Davis Nunnery

    Mrs. Sandra Davis Nunnery, 72, of Magnolia, MS, died January 5, 2025, at her residence. She was born in Magnolia

    Read More
  • Steve Parker

    Steve Parker

    The funeral service for Steve Parker will be Noon, on Friday, January 10, at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church. Visitation

    Read More
  • Dr. Hugh Leggett

    Dr. Hugh Leggett

    Dr. Hugh V. Leggett, Jr. of Brookhaven, Mississippi, passed away on 12/23/2024 at the age of 79. Born in Lincoln

    Read More
  • Darrell Dean Perry

    Darrell Dean Perry

    A memorial gathering will be held for Darrell Dean Perry on Tuesday, January 7th at Riverwood Family from 9 – 10

    Read More
  • Larry David Stafford

    Larry David Stafford

    Funeral service for Larry David Stafford will be 11 a.m., Monday, January 6, at Riverwood Family with burial in Union

    Read More
  • 1

Local Florists

Bertha's Flower Shop
103 West Chickasaw Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
(601) 833-2561 
Elaina Anders Flowers
515 Brookway Blvd
Brookhaven, MS 39601
(601) 265-2272 
Hetty Bug's Flowers
731 Chestnut Ln SE
Bogue Chitto, MS 39629
(601) 757-1716 
 Roots & Ribbons
100 West Court Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
(601) 835-2708