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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)

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  • 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.

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  • 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!!

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  • 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.

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  • 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!

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  • 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

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

    friend from CO-LIN

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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