Wayne "Gene" Ross

Wayne “Gene” Ross, 77, of Cleveland and formerly of Conasauga, departed this life peacefully at his home in the early hours on Monday, December 5, 2022.

He was born on June 19, 1945, to the late Harle and Dorothy Varnell Ross.  Gene was a lifelong resident of Cleveland and Polk County.  Throughout life, he had a passion for old model cars and woodworking.  He was a member of the Main Street Cruisers and often frequented shows with his 1933 Ford. 

Gene graduated from Polk County High School in 1963, where he met his bride, Alyce Lawson Ross, and they have been happily married since June 27, 1964.  He was a dedicated lineman/cable repairman for over 30 years.  Gene loved his family and friends with his whole heart and always had a smile on his face; a smile that anyone who met him will forever remember. 

In addition to his parents, Harle and Dorothy Ross, he was preceded by his brother, Eric Anthony Ross.

Left to cherish the many memories include his beloved wife of 58 years, Alyce Lawson Ross; loving children, Philip Ross, Cheryl (Vic) Coppinger, and Jeremy (Bobbie) Ross; grandchildren, Stephen Ross, Erica (Patrick) Stewart, Andrew Ross, Myranda (Zach) Bonner, Cody (Sophia) Truelove, Chris Allen and Jesse Murphy; great grandchildren, Harrison Stewart, Everett Stewart, Skylar Bonner and Abraham Truelove; sisters, Charlotte (Ron) Moreland and Carol Cochran; Aunt, Christine Swafford. Numerous great nieces and nephews also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Boanerges Baptist Church Cemetery, with Philip Ross, Jeremy Ross, Myranda Bonner, Erica Stewart, Patrick Stewart, and Vic Coppinger serving as pallbearers.

Family and friends will gather from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.