WILLOW SPRING, North Carolina — CMSgt. Richard Lee Ross (Ret.), 74, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2017, at his home.

He joined the Air Force in 1966 and achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant prior to his retirement in 1994 following 28 years and 28 days of service.

Richard leaves behind to cherish his memory a loving family which included his wife of 51 years, Birdie Mae Ross; daughter, Lee Ann Ross Nelson of Willow Spring; son, Richard Tillman Ross and wife, Deborah of Concord; grandchildren, Erica Ann Harrington and husband, Jonathan, Tyler Lee Nelson, Alycia Noel Nelson, Olivia Mae Nelson, Dawson Tanner Ross, Parker Riley Ross; and a brother, Ronald Stevenson Ross and wife, Ann of Mantee, Mississippi.

A funeral service will be held at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017. Burial will follow in the Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to South Lamar Baptist Church: 2885 S. Lamar Blvd No. B, Oxford, MS 38655.

Arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Garner.