William Arthur Ross, Jr.

WILLIAM ARTHUR ROSS, Jr., 89 LAKELAND - William Arthur Ross, Jr., 89, Devoted Husband, Loving Father and Grandfather, WWII Hero, Community Leader."God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Bill Ross lived his life with courage, wisdom, and, in the end, serenity. He instilled those guiding principles in his family and others he knew.Mr. Ross finally succumbed to his 16-year battle with Parkinson's Disease on October 15, 2011 at Good Shepherd's Palm Terrace Hospice House in Lakeland, FL. His soul is now in heaven with his wife of 61 years, Loyola, but his legacy will live on forever. He was born on June 24, 1922 in Columbus, Ohio. During WWII, "Little Willie" served as a Signalman First Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy aboard the flagship USS McCawley (APA 4) in the Pacific Theater. Upon his return from the war, Mr. Ross married Loyola Catherine Kerekes on January 25, 1945.He received his degree in Accounting from Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1950, the Ross family moved with their two oldest sons to Clearwater, Florida and settled in Lakeland in 1953.Mr. Ross was a devout Roman Catholic and deeply committed member of the Church of the Resurrection. He served in many capacities, including Eucharistic Minister, Coordinator of Ministers to the Sick, Sacristan, Lector, and Knights of Columbus.During his business career, he held responsible financial positions with notable local firms such as Sikes Corp. (formerly Florida Tile Industries, Inc.), J. Herring & Associates, Watkins Motor Lines, United Republic Life Insurance Company, United Sun Life Insurance Company, Bond Clinic, and Eger Concrete.Mr. Ross was very active in his community as a member of the City of Lakeland Citizen's Action Committee, Board Member of the Cleveland Heights Country Club, and member and past president of Polk County's Institute of Management Accountants. He was very involved with the Lakeland YMCA's fitness programs for seniors. He and Loyola were also regular season ticket holders to the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, Lakeland Community Theatre, The Polk Theater, Florida Southern College, and The Lakeland Center. Mr. Ross was both a Cub Scout Master and Boy Scout Master for Troop and Pack 116. In addition, he was a consistent blood donor, donating over 18 gallons of blood. His hobbies included ham radio operator, golf, orchid growing and stamp collecting. He and Loyola were avid world travelers and imparted this passion to their children. Mr. Ross was preceded in death by his wife, Loyola. He is survived by four sisters and two brothers, all who reside in Norwalk, Ohio; his sons, William A. Ross III, Clearwater, Charles A. Ross, Valrico, Dr. Lawrence E. Ross and U.S. Representative Dennis A. Ross, Lakeland; his daughter, Therese R. Arrington, Lakeland; nine grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. There will be a viewing at Heath Funeral Chapel http://www.heathfuneralchapel.com/ Wed. from 5-7 pm. Thurs. Eulogy Presentation will begin at 10:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at Church of the Resurrection. http://www.churchoftheres.net/. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be sent in his name to either: USF Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Center, 5 Tampa General Circle, Suite 410, Tampa, FL 33606. (Please make checks payable to USF Foundation, Inc.) or YMCA of West Central Florida, Inc., 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33803. Service: 10/20/2011 Church of the Ressurection 3855 Old Road 37, Lakeland, Florida 33813 Heath Funeral Chapel Visitation: 10/19/2011 Heath Funeral Chapel