Thomas Richard Ross II

Thomas R. Ross II, known as TR by most, departed this life on Monday, October 30, 2023 after a courageous 10 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, peacefully with his family by his side where he most recently resides in North Carolina. 

Born on October 11, 1949 in Elkins, WV, he was the son of the late Dr. Thomas Ross and Jean Ross. Although he departed much too early, this will not be how we remember an extraordinary man that gave so much to his family, friends, and community over the years. 

TR is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Vidia Ross; two daughters, Amanda Ross of Columbus, OH, Natalia and husband, Ryan Schooley of Davidson, NC and two granddaughters that were his pride and joy, Kennedy, and Addison Schooley; His sister Laurie and husband Rick Taylor of Albuquerque, NM, two nieces, Tess and husband Sean Larragoite, Hannah Taylor of Denver, CO and great-nephew Asher Larragoite of Albuquerque, NM; Brother-in-law, Hector Caballero of Santiago, Chile. 

TR was a member of Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church where he was baptized and married. He was a 1967 graduate of Elkins High School. He was selected for the Golden Horseshoe and Boy’s State, served as President of his high school class, Member of the National Honors Society, received the B. I. Golden Award as an Outstanding Senior, and was a proud member of the 1966-67 Elkins High School Championship men’s basketball team.

He attended Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, PA where he majored in History and was named the Henry Wilson Temple Scholar for distinguished undergraduate work in history. He served as President of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and was a member of Phi Alpha Theta, a National History Honor Society. Upon graduation in 1971, he received his B.A. Degree and an Army ROTC commission as Second Lieutenant, later being promoted to First Lieutenant while briefly on active duty. 

TR went on to attend West Virginia Law School. While there he served two years as Editor of the Law Review. He was awarded his J.D. Degree in 1974. He then moved back to Elkins, WV and immediately began practicing law. He served as City Attorney of Elkins from 1975-1987 during which time he updated the City Code, his being the first revision since 1942. TR served Randolph and surrounding counties until his retirement in 2016.

A leader in civic affairs, TR served on the board of many organizations and was a community advocate. He was an active supporter of the Randolph County United Way and many other charitable organizations. He served as President and member of the YMCA Board of Trustees, President of the Randolph County Young Democrats, President of the Randolph County Bar, member of American Bar Association, and West Virginia State Bar, member of the Rotary Club of Elkins, Board Member of the Randolph County Art Center, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Davis Memorial Hospital, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of First State Bank and Community Bank & Trust, Member of the Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees and perhaps one of his proudest jobs, in honor of his father, was leading and establishing the Dr. Thomas Richard Ross History and Humanities Endowed Chair.

TR had a passion for playing bridge and cherished the time with his Friday bridge friends. Since 1971, His favorite “holiday weekend” was the Lonesome Polecat Rampage where he was able to connect with friends, play cards, smoke cigars, and indulge in the food and beverages that centered around the infamous native ramp. 

He was a great storyteller,  enjoyed good food and wine, and had a nickname for every person he met. If you knew him well, you know he had the best sense of humor and a contagious laugh that will be missed. 

The family would like to sincerely thank all of the nurses and staff at Novant Huntersville Hospital for their professionalism and the comfort they provided for both TR and the family. 

Cremation arrangements have been made with Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville, NC. A celebration of TR’s life will take place in the Spring in Elkins, WV. Details to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in memory of Thomas R. Ross II to: The Dr. Thomas Richard Ross Endowed Chair in History and Humanities,  Davis & Elkins College, C100 Campus Drive, Elkins, WV 26241. 

Personal condolences may be offered to the family online at www.kepnerfh.com.