Charles Harry Ross

Charles Harry Ross, 82, of Jonesboro passed away peacefully on Oct. 20, 2021, at NEA Baptist Hospital. He was born Feb. 9,1939, in Caruth, Mo., to Viola Elizabeth Thompson Ross and Raymond Harrison Ross.

Charles graduated from Caruth High School and Arkansas State University. He received a degree in Agricultural Business. While at ASU, he was an active member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and served as president of the ASU Senior Class of 1960-61. After college, Charles served in the United States Air Force Reserves stationed in Colorado Springs, Colo. Charles began his career in agricultural sales with Allis Chalmers in Memphis, Tenn., in 1963. Charles loved the thrill of the sale and being a friend to a farmer. He excelled in his sales career winning many sales awards and accolades.

In 1972, Charles accepted a position as general sales and dealership manager with Case International Harvester in Blytheville. For over 17 years, he built strong relationships in the community and the “Case Place” became the location for a fair deal, farmers’ coffee and tall tales.

While in Blytheville, he was an active member of First Baptist Church. He served as deacon, leader of various committees, and president of Baptist Men - a role very dear to his heart. In 1989, Charles was asked to expand his heavy machinery knowledge and became a general manager of Case International Construction in Charlotte, N.C. In 1992, he returned to the Mid-South to resume his love of agricultural sales and working with independent dealerships growing their sales and relationships.

He was preceded in death by his son Charles Derek “Chip” Ross; his sisters, Sue Carolyn Ross Hewlett, Linda Faye Ross Pritchett; his brother, Dennis Joe Ross; and his parents. For the last 19 years, Charles and Jo have resided in Jonesboro.

He is survived by Edna Jo Hamlett Ross, his wife of 58 years; his son, Christopher Shea Ross and his wife Leigh Anne Ross; and granddaughters, Megan Grace Ross and Macey Jewell Ross; his daughter, Jo Beth Ross McElhanon and her husband Phillip Lane McElhanon and grandson Harrison Lane McElhanon. He is also survived by brothers, Terry Ross of Caruth, Mo., and Ron Ross of Flower Mound, Texas. He is survived by his best friend of 58 years Hosey Mac White of Batesville, Miss.

They have been members of First Baptist Church where Charles was an active volunteer in their Care Center.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until the Celebration of Life service. A private burial will be held for family in Kennett, Mo.

For lasting memorials please consider, First Baptist Church Jonesboro Care Center, 701 South Main Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401; or the Alzheimers Association - Arkansas Chapter, 1300 N. Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 205A, Little Rock, AR 72212. To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.