Ross Anderson Wilson, Jr.
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Ross Anderson Wilson Jr. passed away quietly with his family at his side on January 30, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas.
Ross (never liked to be called Mr. Wilson) was born on February 22, 1920 in Gary Indiana. He was raised in Buffalo NY where he began a remarkable career. In his teen years, he attended military school in Hot Springs Arkansas and was fond of telling the story of seeing then president Roosevelt using the hot springs for therapy. Following high school, he went to work for Bell Aircraft in Buffalo and was part of a seven-man crew that developed the first Bell helicopter. During WWII, he worked for Bell traveling the country trouble shooting both fixed wing and helicopter problems. He was on the crew that put Chuck Yeager in the cockpit of the Bell X-1 that broke the sound barrier in 1947
An avid outdoorsman, in the mid-fifties he moved with his wife June and son Jack, to Tuckerton NJ where he was one of the founders of three marinas on the South Jersey shore. He also worked in both auto and real estate sales.
Ross retired in his mid-sixties and took up woodcarving. He received numerous best of show awards and received the Hurley Conklin Award in 2002.
He is survived by his son Jack; daughter-in-law, Kathy, and many great friends.
The family will be present at a reception in memory of Ross on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 from 6-8 pm at the Smith Center at Brandon Woods, 4730 Brandon Woods Terrace. Burial has already taken place.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses in Lawrence Kansas or the Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For condolences and more information visit www.woodfuneralhomeinc.com or warrenmcelwain.com.
Jack,
I’m sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. I’d like to think that he and my dad are enjoying some quality time in heaven talking about the good times and adventures they had together. Take comfort in knowing that he’s with your mom for all eternity.
If you have services in NJ, I won’t be able to come since I now live in Florida. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wilson family, so sorry to hear the loss. Thelma and I set at the dinner table with Ross for over five years. He truly will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers our with you at this difficult time. May god comfort you all. Best Regards, Dennis & Thelma
Jack and Kathy – so very sorry for your loss, your dad was a great man!! Always welcoming, I remember him giving me a piece of chocolate the last time I saw him when I was in Kansas….know that he is at peace now and with your mom….jugs to you both, Love Dorothy
Jack and Kathy – I was so saddened to see that Ross had passed. I always looked forward to seeing him when I went to see my Mom. He always had a mint, or would hold my hand and give it a kiss. He was a wonderful person and I think of him often. Many thoughts and prayers with you. Love, Jill and Gwen
Dear Jack and Kathy, Our hearts go out to you and your family. We loved Mr. Wilson (candy man) so much. He will be so missed by everyone here. He was such a good man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Jack and Kathy – You know how much we loved Ross. He was a joy to be around, and always beamed that bright smile when we would meet. He was the mayor of South Woods, and its beloved social chairman. He will be missed by all who knew him, and we’re proud to say we’re were lucky to be included in that group. All our love.
To jack and Kathy, Ross was such a character! The first person I had the pleasure of meeting here at Brandon Woods, and he from that day, let me know that he knew everything going on and he would make sure that I did as well! I do miss him hanging out with my at Bingo, patiently waiting for me to get him ice cream or chocolate! He will always be part of my family. Jack, you were and are a great son, you did everything for the guy, he knew it, just didn’t want to share that with you! LOL! Thoughts and prayers to you and Kathy at this time, call if you ever need anything!