William Herbert Ross, at the age of 93, transitioned from this life to his Heavenly home on December 1st, 2021.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at St. James United Methodist Church, Tarboro, NC, with Rev. Nathan Wittman and Rev. Caswell Shaw officiating.

Herb was born in Pamlico County, North Carolina on November 7th, 1928, to Oleta and John Riley Ross. He was raised in New Bern and graduated from New Bern High School, where he excelled as a Wing-T back in football. After graduation, he joined the United States Army-Air Corps where he served his country for three years. Following an Honorable Discharge, he enrolled at Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, NC, where he played football on the varsity squad. He graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 1952.

Following college, he entered the business world with Carolina Telephone and Telegraph Company where he spent forty years of service in the Communications Industry. He served in a number of managerial positions and earned the reputation as an excellent and caring leader. His last position before retirement was Corporate and Labor Relations Manager.

While serving as a Division Manager in Rocky Mount, NC, he served with the JayCees. As Division Operator Manager in Fayetteville, NC, he served as secretary of the AFCEA International Organization, which served the military, government, industry, and academia as a forum for advancing knowledge and relationships in the fields of communications, information technology, intelligence, and security. He also was a member of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, and joined the Military Affairs Committee. While in Fayetteville, he was an active member of First Christian Church.

When his company moved him to Tarboro, NC, he became a member of Saint James United Methodist Church and volunteered to serve in a number of organizational positions. He was president of the Builders Class, as well as a teacher, for many years. He was involved with Meals on Wheels and served on the Board of Directors for the organization. Along with his church activities, Herb was an active member the Tarboro Kiwanis "Golden K" Club, and served the group in many capacities for over twenty years, to include Club President. He also was an active member on the Board of Education for Tarboro City Schools and served a term as Board Chairman.

Herb met Opal Faye Roberson, from Washington, NC, at Atlantic Christian College, and they exchanged vows in 1953. They were married for sixty-eight wonderful years, enjoying life in Rocky Mount, Fayetteville, and Tarboro, NC. Herb and Opal raised three loving children; William Herbert Ross, Jr, John Reddick Ross, and Lynne Prescott Ross (Boyd).

Herb was preceded in death by his parents: John and Oleta Ross; and two brothers: Allen and Jimmy Ross. He is survived by his loving wife, Opal; his three children, Bill, John (& wife, Jennifer), and Lynne; nine grandchildren, Amanda Ross, Kate Ross, Trey (& wife, Mandy) Ross, Zach (& wife, Rachel) Ross, Taylor Ross, Blair Boyd, Caroline Boyd, Bailey Boyd, Ashlyn Boyd; and four great-grandchildren: Landon Ross, Brodie Ross, Cameron Ross, and Tenley Ross. He is also survived by one brother; John Riley (& wife, Sallie) Ross; along with their children: nephews Johnnie (& Celina) Ross, Marshall (& Michelle) Ross, niece  Liz Ross Long (& Mike); and their respective children Kate Ross, Riley Ross,  Anna Marie Ross, and Jackie Ross; Channing Long, and Sydney Long.

Also cherished are departed brothers Allen and Jimmy's children: Allen: Al Ross, David Ross, Cindy (Ross) Pope (& Mack), with children Elizabeth and Katherine; Mark (& Kiki) Ross with Kathleen, A.J., Sarah, and John Ross. Jimmy: James (& Vivian) Ross, with children Amanda (Ross) Lawrence (& Kyle), with son Hamish; and Ashley (Ross) Lawrence (& Joe) with Nathan, Ryan, and Kady; also Tim (& Wendy) Ross, with children T.J., Nic, Brooke (& Aaron Embertson) with Adley and Fletcher; plus Jessica (Ross) Holmes (& Wade) with son Davis.

William H. Ross was "Herb" to his many great friends. However, to all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was affectionately known and adored as "Papa". A man of great faith, his 93 year walk on this earth was a living testimony of life well-lived.  Bravo Zulu, "Papa".

In lieu of flowers those who wish may make a donation in honor of Herb to St. James United Methodist Church, 211 East St. James St., Tarboro, N. C. 27886.

"Well done thou good and faithful servant." ~ Matthew 25:21