Tommy E. Ross

Tommy Eugene Ross was born on July 14, 1957, to Junious Ross, Sr. and Lillie Ross in Florence, South Carolina.  In the early 60’s, his family migrated to Newark, NJ to the famous “Pennsylvania Avenue”, where he played street ball with his close friends, the Logan’s , Jesse King, and Larry Russell.

Tommy was educated in the Newark Public School System.  In 1983 he became employed by the Commodity Exchange at The World Trade Center in New York City for 20 years.  On September 28, 1986, Tommy was joined in holy matrimony with Shirelle Kemp, and from this union there were born two children, Taria La-Nai Ross and Taylor Eugene Ross.

Tommy had a great love for music, you could find him listening to Funk and Blue-Eyed Soul, George Clinton and The P Funk All Stars, Prince & The Revolution, Morris Day and The Time, and Phil Collins.  He also had a love for guitars and keyboards, which he shared that love with his late brother Mackie, his children and grandchildren.

Tommy was a devoted family man.  His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and motivation.  In June 2021, Tommy relocated with his family to Newport News, Virginia, where he celebrated his 64th birthday amongst his family.  He had a special relationship with his baby sister Saleem, and his namesake Uncle Tommy, his cousin/brother Terry and Eugene Dudley, his “hero”, and the late Aunt Gloria Brown (Go-Go).

On September 14, 2021, Tommy Ross made his peaceful transition from this life.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Junious and Lillie Belle Ross, and brother, Matthew Ross.

Tommy leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Shirelle Kemp-Ross; one daughter-Taria La-Nai Ross; one son-Taylor Eugene Ross; two grandchildren-Lena Rose Whittom and Noah Lee Whittom, II; four sisters-Mozella Williams (Fred), Lauria Ross, Blanche Scott (Charles), and Saleem Ross; one brother-Junious Ross, Jr.; brother-in-law Kyle Kemp (Tracy); good friends Eugene and Yvonne Dudley; and a host of family and friends.