Mr. Douglas Ross

Douglas Leslie Ross was born in Lake City, South Carolina on August 25, 1957 to Eveyln Jones Ross.
He was blessed with a stepfather who loved him unconditionally, Bishop Roscoe Eaddy who proceed
him in death. Douglas was the baby of his 3 siblings and until his dying day his mother affectionally
referred to him as "my baby." If Douglas was alone on this earth with only his mother, he would have
definitelty known the true definition of unconditional love. His mother not only instilled this in him she
showed him this everyday of his life.

He graduated from Lake City High School in Lake City, South Carolina. At a young age he joined St.
Mark Holiness Church after he relocated he later joined Cedar Grove A.M.E. At the age of 19, Douglas
enlisted in the United States Army as a Tank Driver. In the army Douglas served in infantry units and
was able to see many parts of the world.

He lived in South Korea, California, Colorado, & Kentucky...to name a few. He served his country
proudly receiving numerous awards and medals for his outstanding performances and leadership.
After receiving an honorable discharge Douglas trained at the Criminal Justice Academy and became
employed at the Columbia Correctional Institution as a Correctional Officer, where he served proudly
for 5 years.

Douglas was no stranger to hard work his mother often revisits the story of how at the age of 8 he
wanted to help work in the fields with her. She repeatedly told him "no" until finally one day she took
him to work with her. She remembers him “working like a grown man” producing more work than most
of the adults. Douglas was sophisticated, multi-talented, he was brilliant if we can brag just a moment
and during his life he mastered many crafts. He was a self-taught artist, his drawings could have been
in museums, he was a self proclaimed chef and his meals were exquisite. He was a fast learner which
allowed him to master many things. His employments included carpentry, plumbing, home
renovations, maintenance duties, factory and electrician work. Douglas was quick with his hands, he
trained in martial arts for years with discipline and earned his black belt in karate. He was strategic &
no one could beat him in playing chess. Everything he experienced in life allowed him to process a
certain wisdom, and this is something that will be sorely missed.

The most remembered things about Douglas is his 'no nonsense attitude for disrespect.' His sense of
humor, (as he could tell a story that would have you laughing for hours), and his love for music. If you
knew Douglas you knew he was a true music lover. His music collection included 8-tracks, vinyl
records, & cassette tapes. He would build speakers that towered over 6 feet tall just so he could feel
every beat. He was a lover of oldies and old school gospel, you could often find him hypnotized,
soaking in the rhythm, message in the lyrics, and emphasizing on the instruments.
Douglas married his high school sweetheart Deloris Cooper on January 02, 1979 and
together they welcomed 4 beautiful daughters into their union. Deloris was Douglas's
one true love or as he would so poetically word it "the love of his life." Douglas was
affectionally called “Leslie” “Doug” or “Bug” but his most favorite titles of all was “Daddy”
and "grandad."

Douglas entered eternal rest on Monday, November 08, 2021 in Columbia, SC after a brief
illness. True to his spirit of a soldier he was always resilient and persevered. He fought a
courageous battle until his final hour and now heaven has gained a faithful servant.
Left to carry out Douglas’s legacy is his wife, Deloris Cooper Ross, along with his
daughters, Yolanda, Nikita, Latoya (Crystal), & Lakeshia. His grandchildren: Keyohntay,
Tyrique, Javari, Noah, Ciera, & Jaylen. His mother, Evelyn Jones Eaddy and his siblings:
Barbara Reis, Marie Oliver, & Donald Ross.

He will be greatly missed by the entire Jones-Gamble-Anderson & Cooper families, a host
of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and associates. And lastly, his best friend Calvin
Burgess, a true definition of a brother, childhood friend, and Army battle buddy/comrade.