MR. Tommy L. Ross SR.

Tommy L. Ross, Sr. was born in Walstonburg, North Carolina on March 31, 1941. He made his eternal transition on December 26, 2024. His parents were the late Jesse James Ross, and Alice Lane Ross. His parents had nine children. Seven preceded him in death (Annie Mae Ross, Rachel Lane, Essie Lee Ross, Jesse Ross, James Edger Ross, Willie Columbus Ross, Joe Henry Ross).
Tommy received his early education at the North Green Elementary School in Walstonburg, NC, Green County Training School in Snow Hill, North Carolina and H.B. Suggs High School in Farmville, N.C. After graduating from high school, he attended North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C. where he began his official studies in vocal music.
During his years at North Carolina Central University, his experiences included participation in the famous university chorus, operatic workshops, string orchestra classes, and piano studies. Tommy was asked to perform for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while touring the college campus. During this period he pledged and became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Inc.
After graduation, he began his teaching career as a choral director at Greenville Consolidation High School in Greenville, Georgia (1965-1967). From 1967 to 1969 he served as choral director at Pearl Stevens High School in Warner Robins, Georgia. He later began work in the Atlanta Public School System. He served as Choral Director, Drama Director, and Fine Arts Department Chair at West Fulton High School (1973-1981), and Benjamin E. Mays High School (1981- 1998). His choral programs consistently earned superior ratings in local and state evaluations. During his career, he produced thirty major Broadway musicals and dramas.
He completed his graduate and post graduate-studies in music at LaGrange College, the University of Georgia, Clark Atlanta University, and Georgia State University. From 1972- 1975, he performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus under the direction of the world-renowned musical maestro, Robert Shaw.
In addition to his work in the public schools, Mr. Ross served as music director and organist in several churches, including the First Baptist Church in Greenville, Ga (1965-1967), Stewart Chapel AME in Macon, Ga (1967-1969), East Lake United Methodist Church Atlanta, Ga (1975-1991), Flipper Temple AME Church Atlanta, Ga (1993-1996). His love for singing continued as an active member of the Chancel Choir at Cascade United Methodist Church.
Following his tenure at East Lake United Methodist Church, he founded and served as President and CEO of the East Lake Community Choir Association ( ELCCA) and later the Atlanta International Supporters of the Arts, Inc. He was an active member of the Georgia Music Educators Association, where he served as District 5 Vice-Chair (1990-1992), Large Group Performance Evaluation Adjudicator and Chairman of the Georgia Music Educators Multicultural Awareness Committee (1995-1997). After retiring, he also served as a financial advisor for Primerica.
As a teacher, church musician, and supporter of the arts for forty years, his love for the arts inspired students to excel in higher education to pursue careers in the fine arts.
He was married to the late Juanitha Jackson Ross (deceased 1981), and Shirley Gunnells- Ross (deceased 2006).
He leaves to cherish his memories: son, Tommy Ross, Jr; daughter, Jalon Ross; son, Daniel (Soknetra) Gunnells,daughter, LaTanya Gordon; one sister, Earnestine Ross Moore; Sister in Law, Robbie Weeks, Helen Hall, Mattie Jean Lett & Brother in Law, Thomas (Annesse) Jackson. Grandchildren, Jaslynn Ross, Daniel Jonathan Gunnells, Dillon Gunnells, and Danica Gunnells. Bonus daughters Garnetta Penn, and Kara (Richard) Coleman, and bonus Grand-daughter, Jade Coleman. A host of relatives and friends.