Robert Melvin "Mel" Ross

ROSS, Robert Melvin "Mel", 82, of Rockville, departed this life on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Haston Ross and Elizabeth Garrett; and his wife of 55 years, Judith Nuckols Ross. He is survived by his two children, Howard Jeffry Ross (Kim) and Julie Ross Bowman (Benny); grandchildren, Nichole Sinas (Nick), Lee Ross (Tristan), Jessica Bowman, Rachel Bowman and Bethany Bowman; and great-granddaughters, Clara and Oliva Sinas. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty Jean Henkel, Shirley Irvin, Linda Garrett; and brothers, Ernest Ross and George Garrett; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He graduated from Crewe High School in 1958 and then attended Baldwin Wallace College, where he played football on a scholarship until a back injury prematurely ended his career.

He served proudly in the U.S. Army until he was honorably discharged in 1964.

Mel was a resident of Rockville, Va., for over 55 years and lived at Our Lady of Hope for the last four years. Mel was a faithful member of Berea Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, church moderator, Sunday school teacher and choir member. Mel served the youth in the Rockville community through many channels. He, along with other men in the community, created the Rockville Rockets Youth Association in 1968. What started as a few boys learning to play football, grew into hundreds of boys playing football and girls cheerleading on multiple division levels. Most importantly, this program developed youth into successful and contributing members of their respective communities. In 1977, Mel co-founded The Rockville Rebels, a youth softball team on which many boys ages 13 to 18 competed locally and in national tournaments. The lessons learned by these young men are still carried with them today. Mel also had a prominent role in the building and development of the Rockville pool, which he managed and maintained for many years.

Mel's career was a success story in itself. Early on, he worked in the finance department at Blue Cross Blue Shield. He later joined B. F. Goodrich and became a great salesperson, as well as sales manager. He was a staple in the tire business, selling millions of tires and earning accolades on an annual basis. Mel retired from White Tire in Richmond, Va., as the general manager of the tire division. While his sales success was noteworthy, Mel was most proud of the relationships he developed over the years with his customers and co-workers.

A memorial service will be held at Berea Baptist Church on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 11 a.m. with burial to follow. A time of food and fellowship will be available in the Family Life Center following the burial. Mel wanted nothing more than to give back to others, especially his family. So, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Judith Ross Music Scholarship Fund c/o Virginia Baptist Foundation, 2828 Emerywood Parkway, Henrico, Va. 23294 (please specify in memo section of check) OR go to www.vbfinc.org. Click Donate Now and find the name under Designation and follow prompts.