William Claude Gross

NEWPORT NEWS - William Claude Gross, 84, of Newport News, VA, died at his home on March 22, 2014, surrounded by family following a determined battle against recurrent prostate cancer. Born March 16, 1930, in Roanoke, VA, Bill moved to Newport News at the age of eight when his father came to work at the Newport News Shipyard and the C&O Railroad. He graduated from Newport News High School in February 1948. As a young man, Bill worked as a delivery boy for Western Union and Colonial Grocery Store in downtown Newport News. While in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1954, he served during the Korean Conflict as a radio mechanic on the Douglas B-26 with the 13th Bomb Squadron of the 8th Air Force. After returning from Korea, he followed his father and began a career with the C&O Railroad in 1954, serving as electrician apprentice, and then as Electrician and Electrical Foreman. He retired in 1988 as a General Foreman of the Mechanical Department with CSX Transportation. After retirement, Bill helped his son, Glenn, run his own business and helping repair and maintain equipment. Bill was preceded in death by his father, James Claude Gross, Jr.; his mother, Zora William Nace Gross; sister, Danise Gross Tuttle and her husband, Herman. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary C. Gross; daughter, Lisa Gross Housley and husband, Ed, of Charlottesville, VA; son, Glenn M. Gross of Newport News, VA; niece, Maxyne Weaver and husband, John, of Pinetops, NC; two great nieces, Natalie W. Peiffer and Janice D. Weaver, both of Pinetops, NC. Bill was always willing to lend a helping hand and serve others. An active member of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association, he served as locater of former members who served with the squadron, as well as Treasurer. He was an active member of the former Faith Presbyterian Church in Newport News and a member of Warwick Masonic Lodge #336. Throughout the last six months of his life as he battled the effects of recurrent cancer, he exhibited his true character and displayed what he was made of as he fought back time and time again. He maintained his dry sense of humor and quick wit to the end. He will be missed terribly but left a lasting impression and legacy. The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 26, 2014, from 6-8 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News. A funeral service, officiated by Dr. Michael T. Condrey, will be held Thursday, March 27, at 2:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 1209 Hampton Highway, Yorktown, VA, 23693, or a favorite charity.