Johnny Ray Ross

"The Lord is my Shepherd,I shall not want." Psalms 23 A life of love and service is to be celebrated, never mourned. Such a life began for Brother Johnny Ray Ross, born on May 15, 1948 in Smackover, Arkansas to the late Willie"Boy" and Mary Lewis Ross. Johnny went quietly home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of September 10, 2013. He accepted Christ at an early age, and remained a faithful member and servant at Sweet Home Baptist Church, Smackover, Arkansas until he moved with his sister Earnestine Hildreth in Louann, Arkansas. Johnny continued his service and devotion to the Lord at New Jerusalem Baptist Church where he was appointed Honorary Deacon under Rev. Edward Seals. Johnny performed his duties faithfully until his health failed. Johnny loved his family and church families. Johnny was meek, humble, mild-mannered and loved by all who met him. He loved people and people loved him. Brother Johnny Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Willie "Boy" Ross, and Mary Lewis Ross; Brothers James Ross and Elmer Ross and Sister Artistine Ross. Johnny leaves to cherish his loving memories; four brothers, Dewey Ross(Marie) of Smackover, Arkansas, Lawrence Ross(Carolyn) of Smackover, Arkansas, Joe Lewis Ross(Florene) of Flint, Michigan, Richard Lee Ross(Marsha) of Flint, Michigan, a special sister/niece, Alfreda Vickers-Jackson(Robert)of Little Elm, Texas, a special school mate who has been like a brother, Dave Henderson(Callie)of Flint, Michigan and special lady friend Connie Fuller of El Dorado, Arkansas. Johnny had no children of his own, but he had host of nieces and nephews who respected him and treated him like a father. There are a countless relatives and friends who mourn his passing and we will miss him dearly. A Homegoing Celebration for Brother Johnny will be held on Monday, September 16, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Sweet Home Baptist Church, Smackover, Arkansas with Rev. Wiley George officiating. Interment will follow in the Sweet Home Baptist Church under the direction of the Sims Mortuary Staff. A family hour will be held on Sunday at the funeral home, September 15, 2013 from 4-6p.m. Visitation at the funeral home will be Monday, September 16, 2013 from 9-11a.m. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Johnny Ray Ross, please visit our flower store.