Jerry Donald Ross

May 11, 1946 — May 6, 2017

Jerry “Buffalo” Ross came to this earth on May 11, 1946. Like all of us, he had a purpose and a destiny. His unique destiny was to bring joy and a love of life to everyone who knew him.

On May 6, 2017, he fulfilled that destiny and departed this life after a brave battle with Alzheimer disease in a local hospital surrounded by his family.

He will be laid to rest on his birthday – Thursday, May 11, 2017 – at 2:00 PM. His family asks that friends and acquaintances join them in celebrating his unique life.

Jerry was a lifelong salesman – and he never encountered a service or product he couldn’t sell. His career took him on adventures in the oil and gas industry, automobile sales, and with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office as a bailiff and court room security team member. Through it all, he met and influenced a long list of people who would remain lifelong friends.

But the most important people in Jerry’s life were his family – starting with Barbara, his wife of 48 years and a constant and loyal companion through all the adventures and memorable times that would come to define him as a person.

Despite his dedication to his work and his love of making the most of every day, his responsibilities and duties to his family remained his top priority. Throughout his life, he enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his sweet and loyal dogs.

Jerry was also an enthusiastic supporter of his community in so many ways. His love of service was evident when attained the rank of Eagle Scout and continued with his service in the United States Navy. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner and Jester. He supported local sports, political and municipal campaigns, wildlife conservation initiatives like Ducks Unlimited, as well as numerous other charities. He loved hunting, fishing, and golf in particular.

Among his proudest achievements was being named “Outstanding Member” by the Lake Charles Young Men’s Business Club in the early 1970s.

Jerry had a seemingly endless capacity for social interaction. His demeanor was lighthearted and fun – but sincere. His heart was filled with a genuine love for people – and people, in turn, found it easy to love him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Isabelle (Lockwood) Ross, an infant son and an infant granddaughter. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 48 years, Barbara Lane Ross; son, Russ Ross (Rebecca); daughters, Terri Ross and Kelli Ross Bridges(Bart); brother, Jim Ross(Cindy); "Pappy" to nine grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home on Wednesday May 10, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and will continue from 12:00 PM until the time of service at 2:00 PM on Thursday May 11. Rev. Francis LaRocque and Dr. Michael Shamblin will officiate. Private family interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial to be made to Lighthouse Ministries, 180 Light House LN, Reeves LA, 70658, or on the web, (to go to the website copy and paste in a new browser to get to the donation page) Lighthouseministriesinc.org/partners_and_volunteers

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Jerry Donald Ross

May 11, 1946 — May 6, 2017

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