Ross Surphlis

1934 - 2023

Ross Surphlis
January 20, 1934 - July 28, 2023
Belmont, North Carolina - Ross Clifford Charles Surphlis (otherwise known as Roscoe and Rosey!) passed away peacefully on July 28, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 89 years old.
Born, January 20, 1934, in Toronto, Canada to William and Muriel, Ross would meander through his younger years attending various schools for various lengths of time finally going to work, since he decided school was not yet for him. After emigrating to the US from Canada in the mid-1950's he was drafted into the US Army's 11th Airborne division in the paratrooper corps, during the Korean War. During his time in the army, he earned his GED. Once he was honorably discharged he was accepted at Saint Louis University where he earned his undergraduate degree and then went on to the University of Missouri to earn his Master's degree in French. He taught French in high school and college in the midwest but finally found his place at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in Charlotte where he spent the next 30+ years. And where he definitely made his mark as a French instructor but especially as the Director of Student Activities. During the Civil Rights era, CPCC's campus escaped major problems, due to the able leadership of several people, one being Ross. Dr. Hagemeyer, past president of CPCC, is quoted as saying "Ross had the unique ability of being able to communicate with people, regardless of sex or race. If it hadn't been for Ross, we would have had a number of incidents." Ross was instrumental in developing the athletics program at CPCC. After 1970, the Intramural All-Stars really took off. Ross started a golf team that went on to win a championship. He also coached and traveled with the basketball team for many seasons and gosh there are many stories that came from those travels! The Student Government Association was developed under the direction of Ross who recognized the need to include not just students in liberal arts but also those in automotive, welding and secretarial science, just to name a few.
Ross was also the proud owner of Surphlis Paint Company of which he later gave to his son Joe so that Joe could get a good start in adulthood. Ross was an educator through and through asking his children each day "what did you learn today?" He was so proud of his children and their myriad achievements. Ross met the love of his life, Deena Outwater Starnes, in November, 1983 and married her on April 21, 1984. Their romance continues even after his death. Deena was Ross' best friend through life and along with her sister's, Kay and Lyn, was his caregiver during his long decline. Ross and Deena traveled with friends throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean meeting all kinds of people along the way. He especially treasured memories of his trip to Scotland, combining two of his greatest loves - his brother Bill and golf. He enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially golf, and for some reason never pulled for the American. We are not sure if it was because he was a Canadian or because he just liked to aggravate people! Ross and Deena enjoyed friends at Thomas Street Tavern and Jacks in Charlotte. Upon their move to Belmont, they enjoyed friends mainly at Bearded Buffalo but also at Lodge and sometimes Sammy's. No matter where Ross went, he knew someone or he met someone who instantly became his friend. Ross loved having his family around and we all have great memories of our Sunday family dinners at their home in Charlotte; as well as great memories of their notable Christmas parties (or just parties in general) where Ross was the cook, or shall we say, chef? He loved going to the markets every day to buy the freshest ingredients and make gourmet dinners. He also loved packing the left-overs for Deena to take to work for lunch the next day. Deena's mom, Elsie lived with them and she and Ross were hilarious together!
Ross is predeceased by his parents, his first wife Lois and his first child, Paul as well as his mother-in-law, Elsie. He is survived by his daughter, Lesley, husband Fred and grandchildren, Jeremy, Cassie
(husband Deven and great-grandchildren Corey and Lucas), Freddie, wife Ally and Paul. He is survived by his middle child Lynda, husband Ralph and grandchildren Kris Marie, husband Josh and Jill, husband Owen. He is survived by his son, Joe and grandchild Claire. He is survived by his son, Robert, wife Belenda and grandchild Meghan. He is survived by his entertaining in-laws, the Outwater Clan, Kay, Fisk, wife Carol, Ted, wife Diane, and Lyn. In Canada, he is survived by his brother Bill, wife Grace and their children, Debbie, Willie, Cathy and Nancy. In New York, he is survived by his sister, Jane, husband Rod and their children, Debbie and Brenda. Ross' northern family loved his many visits and we dare say he is one of the kids' favorite uncles.
We would like to thank the wonderful caregivers of Senior Total Living Care. We would also like to thank friend, Doug Patti, for helping Deena get Ross back to Canada one last time. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Doctors Without Borders in Ross' memory.
A service celebrating Ross's life will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, August 19, 2023 in the Bumgarder of Mclean Funeral Directors, Belmont.
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