Theophilus Ross M.D.

Theophilus Erskine Ross, III, M.D.

Hattiesburg

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Theophilus Erskine Ross, III, M.D. on Saturday, September 12, 2015 following a brief illness. The scion of a pioneering Mississippi medical family, he was born October 23, 1932 to Dr. and Mrs. T. E. Ross, Jr.

Dr. Ross, III continued the Ross family tradition in medicine following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather after attending Mississippi Southern College and Tulane, he received his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in 1957. He interned at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and upon completion of a surgical residency, returned to Hattiesburg. Dr. Ross, III began a partnership with his father. Dr. Ross, Jr., and they remained in practice together in the Ross Building for five years.

Having become Board Certified in general surgery in 1963, Dr. Ross, III was inducted into the American College of Surgeons in 1965, his first year of eligibility. This also echoed a family tradition, as both his father and grandfather were Fellows of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Ross, III joined the Department of Surgery of Hattiesburg Clinic in 1967. As a general surgeon, he specialized in abdominal, neck, lung and vascular surgery. Early in his career, he occasionally helped his father with orthopedic surgeries. He developed a reputation for taking on difficult cases, even doing head trauma surgery when the need arose. Between 1991-93, he served as Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Hattiesburg Clinic. He had many roles and duties in addition to his surgical practice including teaching CPR for the nursing staff. A kind and caring doctor, he was loved and respected by patients, staff and colleagues.

Some of Dr. Ross' affiliations included the American Board of General Surgery, Alton Ochsner Surgical Society, and numerous medical, civic, and community associations. In 2011 he was inducted into the Doctors' Hall of Fame of Forrest General Hospital.

The end of an era of 101 years of service by three generations of Ross physicians came to a close in 1993 when Dr. Ross took medical retirement. At that time he and his wife, Nell, moved to Pretty Basin Ranch in Darby, Montana where they built their dream home, and he enjoyed life as a rancher for nearly 15 years before returning to Hattiesburg in 2007.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Dr. Ross lived a life of dedication and integrity. No doubt God welcomed His "good and faithful servant". If one were fortunate enough to call him friend, it was a special blessing. He had an agile mind, a quick wit, and a generous heart.

When his beloved Nell was diagnosed with a debilitating neurological disease, Erskine moved heaven and earth to care for her. No stone was left unturned, and Nell called Erskine "the best nurse anyone could want". There would be "promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep". (Robert Frost)

Erskine Ross was a loved and loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and faithful friend. He was cut from rare cloth, fine and true and a gentleman in every sense. Think of him as living in the lives and hearts he touched, for nothing loved is ever lost, and he was loved so much. Dr.Theophilus Erskine Ross, III is survived by Nell, his wife of nearly 25 years; his three daughters: Marianne (Terry) Powers, Carolyn (Mike) Bedenbaugh, and Patricia Ross; as well as his grandsons, Nicholas Powers and Ross Bedenbaugh. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty Ross-Thomson and Mary Ross Daniels; and his niece, Kym Ross Waldrop. In addition, he is survived by the mother of his daughters, Barbara Ann Ross. Dr. Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. T. E. Ross, Jr.; and his nephew, Jimmy Daniels.

Services for Dr. Ross will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home. Calling hours will be Friday, September 18 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at Hulett-Winstead. Burial will follow in the family plot at Highland Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Tulane University School of Medicine or to the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation.

"Those miles have passed

Now doth he sleep,

An angel in his 'Iam's' keep."

TER,III, M.D.(2011)