Deacon Willie K. Ross Sr.'s Obituary
Celebrating the Life of Deacon Willie K. Ross Sr.
May 13, 1934 – May 10, 2025
With heavy hearts but grateful spirits, we come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Deacon Willie K. Ross Sr., a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who was called home to glory after a life well-lived and richly blessed, departed this life on May 10, 2025, just shy of his 91st birthday.
Born on May 13, 1934, in Nevada, Texas, Willie was the baby boy of eight children born to Archie Ross and Mayme Wesley Ross. He grew up in a loving, God-fearing household and attended the original George W. Carver Elementary School, where he began his journey of learning and faith.
In 1956, Willie met and married the love of his life, Ms. Ruthrine Washington. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising six children with love, discipline, and joy. Their union was a testament to faith and commitment until her passing in 1983.
Willie was a hard-working man who believed in providing for his family. He worked in construction before finding his calling in custodial work with Garland ISD, where he served faithfully until his retirement in 1992. Never one to sit still, he later moved to Fairfield, TX in 1998, where he continued to serve the community through Freestone ISD, working at Freestone High School until he retired once more.
He later found companionship and love again with Ms. Robbie Fagan, whom he married and cherished until her passing in 2014.
A man of deep faith, Willie was a proud member and Deacon at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he served the Lord with humility and joy. He was known for his warm smile, kind heart, and the way he made everyone feel like family. He was a man who loved to laugh, loved to talk, and loved to love.
In his free time, Willie enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and Oklahoma to try his luck at the casinos. He also lived in Lubbock and Abilene during his lifetime. He loved fishing, playing dominos, and shooting pool. Willie was known for his love of dancing, his sharp sense of humor, and his outgoing, people-loving spirit. He was a womanizer, full of charm and mischief, and he never lost that twinkle in his eye.
Willie was the last of his siblings, preceded in death by his parents, all seven of his brothers and sisters, his wives Robbie Mae and Robin, and his beloved youngest daughter, Johanna Ross.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, survived by his children: Johnny Wilson, Willie Ross Jr., Albert Ross, Ruthie Ross, and Georgia Ross. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, 30 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews—a mighty legacy indeed.
Visitation: Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 10:30 AM
Restland Funeral Home
Graveside Service: same day 12:00 PM Court of Memories
Restland Memorial Park
We will miss his laughter, his wisdom, and his unwavering love. He was known to say, “How is everybody down there? Tell everybody I said Hello and I love you!” And now, we say goodbye for now, he is reunited with his loved ones and watching over us all.
What’s your fondest memory of Willie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Willie?
Share a story where Willie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Willie you’ll never forget.
How did Willie make you smile?

