Johnnie Earl Ross

Johnnie Earl Ross was born on Thursday, November 16, 1939, and passed away at his residence on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at the age of 77. Those who have passed on before him are his parents, Corine Middleton Ross Smith of Marthaville, LA and Allen Ross of Ashland, LA; his brothers, Pat Ross (Mary), Benny Ross (Barbara), Jackie Ross (Elva), and infant twin brother, Jodie Ross; sisters, Vivian Ross Peyton (Henry) and Louise Ross Knott (Roland). Johnnie was a happy person who loved to visit with his family and friends. He had a light-hearted sense of humor which always seemed to express the simple things in life. Johnnie constantly reminded everyone not to take life so serious and enjoy the journey. He spent most of his adult life as a business owner and salesman in Little Rock, AR. Upon retirement, he moved back to Marthaville to be closer to family and his many cherished friends from his school days. Johnnie proudly served in the United States Air Force and toured overseas, mostly in the Saudi Arabia, where he maintained fighter jets. Always a fighter, he was a cancer survivor. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Ross Marshall and her family of Surprise, AZ; nephew, Roland O. Ross of Marthaville; and nieces, Peggy Knott and Patty Whitten both of Lake Jackson, TX; as well as numerous friends. The family would like to thank Hospice of Natchitoches, especially the nurses and aids that provided kind and compassionate care during such a difficult time and to a special great niece who helped him in the last 3 months so he would be able to stay in his home, Connie Ross Mobley of Marthaville. A memorial service to honor his life will be held Monday, June 26, 2017, at Bethel Congregational Methodist Church in Marthaville, Louisiana at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of floral contributions, please make donations in Johnnie’s name to Cancer Treatment Centers of America Global, Inc., 5900 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Boca Raton, FL 33487.