Walter Colley Ross Jr.

Walter C. Ross, Jr., 83, of Williamsburg, Virginia, formerly of Apex, North Carolina, and originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, left his earthly home and peacefully entered his heavenly home on March 28, 2026, after a long battle with dementia. Born on February 26, 1943, to Walter C. Ross, Sr. and Martha Goodwin Ross, Walter lived a life marked by faithful service to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Walter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather "Papa", pastor, and minister of God's Word. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Geneva College and later received his Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Answering God's call to ministry, he became the founding pastor of Cape Ann Bible Church in Gloucester, Massachusetts. He later served faithfully at Shepherd's Church in Cary, North Carolina, where he retired as Pastor of Care Ministry, continuing his lifelong passion for shepherding and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. He ministered to countless people in times of joy and sorrow. All who knew him felt comfortable in his company and sensed his care for others in his warm smile and kind eyes.

Walter had a deep love for Biblical studies and found joy in talking about the Lord and His Word. In his leisure time, he enjoyed golfing, biking, boating, and, in more recent years, playing pickleball at the Apex Senior Center, where he built cherished friendships.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Martha Ross; his sister, Helen Work; and his aunt, Mary Jane Goodwin.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara L. Ross, whose loving and faithful care for him was a testament to their enduring love through 57 years of marriage. He is also survived by his daughter, Tiffany Ross Birkner, and her sons, Matthew Birkner, Jr., Scotty Birkner, and Andrew Birkner; and by his daughter, Heather Laurie Fletcher, and son-in-law, Ted Fletcher; as well as his granddaughter, Hannah Lemon, and her husband, Tyler Lemon.

His family is deeply grateful for the care and kindness shown to him by his faithful caregivers. For the two years prior to their move to Virginia, Walter was lovingly cared for by Wheatley Exum, who not only cared for Walter, but became a friend and companion to Barbara. Since coming to Virginia, he spent each weekday at the Williamsburg Landing Adult Day Center, giving Barbara the respite she needed and opportunity to settle into their new home. Also, these past six months, under the excellent leadership of Stephanie Derry with Brookdale at Home, he had several compassionate caregivers, particularly Diana Hurley, Mackenzie Avery and Charles Bolden, who assisted him with all of his needs. In his final days his hospice nurse, Amber, with Affinity Care Virginia, showed him compassion and dignity, sacrificing her time and energy to support him and all those caring for him.

To the very end Walter's heart remained fixed on Christ. Among his final words was a longing to be taken home to his loving Savior, Jesus. His family takes great comfort in the promise of Scripture: "…willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wisdom International in Cary, North Carolina, a ministry Walter deeply loved and supported, because of the teaching ministry of his beloved pastor, Stephen Davey. (Give at: wisdomonline.org, or by mail PO Box 280, Clayton, NC 27528. Phone is 866-482-4253).

Walter's legacy of faith, love, and devotion to God's Word will continue to inspire all who knew him. Though he is deeply missed, his family rejoices in the assurance that he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior.

A memorial service will be held in the Main Living Room at Brookdale Chambrel on Friday, April 3 at 1:30 PM.