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John Ross Obituary
March 19, 1938 - April 11, 2024
Manteo, North Carolina - John Bowen (Bo) Ross, Jr., passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024 on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. Bo was born to Margaret (Mot) Ellison Ross and John Bowen Ross on March 19, 1938 in Raleigh, NC. As a native North Carolinian, Bo spent most of his life in NC, living in Raleigh, Lumberton, Durham, Atlantic Beach and Manteo.
As a child, Bo spent many days in little Washington, NC on the shores on the Pamlico River, where his parents' family lived. He graduated from Lumberton High School. Bo was an Iron Duke having graduated from both Duke University and Duke Law School. It was at Duke where he met his first wife, Wanda. They married in 1960. Together they raised three children, Polly Ellison, John Bowen (III), Amelia West.
Bo practiced corporate patent law in the Research Triangle Park and later in New Jersey. Forsaking the rat race, Bo moved to Atlantic Beach in 1990, and served as town commissioner and later was appointed to the NC Coastal Resources Commission. Later, Bo was involved in real estate on the Outer Banks.
Bo was predeceased by his wife, Wanda in 1993, his mother, Mot in 1996 and his father, Bo in 1968. Bo married Sybil Daniels of Manteo, NC in 1994. Together they raised Sybil Lynn Basnight. Bo and Sybil enjoyed thirty years together filled with travel, adventure and love.
Bo's hobbies were fulfilling and extensive. He was a lifelong golfer, a photographer, wood worker, painter and a proud Blue Devil. His art reflected his interest in the ecology of the North Carolina Coast. In fact, his painting "The Spirit of Roanoke Island" which depicts the North Carolina state boat (Shad Boat), designed by Sybil's great, great grandfather, George Creef is displayed at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum in Manteo, NC.
Bo is remembered by his wife, Sybil, his four children, his three grandchildren, Morgan Ellison (Ross) Ramsey, West Schaffer Ross, Timothy Christopher Frost, as well as Dell Fleming Ross, Laura Schaffer Ross, Joseph Colin Ramsey, and Tristan Lee Cook.
In lieu of flowers, the Ross Family kindly requests donations be made to the Outer Banks SPCA Dare County Animal Shelter. obxspca.org/donate
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Ross
1 Entry
Chris Nidek
April 15, 2024
He was a great man, I enjoyed talking with him, we shared a love for the OBX
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