G.I. "Larry" Ross

Memorial services for G.I. “Larry” Ross, 90, of Lufkin will be held Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Mark A. Newton officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

G. I. “Larry” Ross entered into the Holy presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, January 27, 2025. He was born on February 22, 1934 to Paul and May Ross in Ogelsby, Texas. One of 14 siblings, his love of his family was passionate and deep rooted, second only to his enduring love for his Savior Jesus Christ. He met the love of his life, Vivian Maurice (Cookie) Ross in 1953 and they celebrated 71 years of marriage in 2024.

Born on a ranch in Coryell County that had been in the family since 1824. Larry graduated from Howard Payne University in 1957 with a BBA in business and following with graduate work at Michigan State University in engineering and accounting. Additional graduate work was completed at Southern Methodist University receiving his MBA in finance in the early 70’s.

His stellar career in the telecommunication industry began in 1956 as an engineering assistant for Southwestern States Telephone Company. In 1965 he moved to Dallas joining the Bell Telephones System as senior engineer. In 1967 he joined Continental Telephone Company as Vice President of Finance. His true calling came in 1970 when he accepted the position of Executive Vice President soon to replace the retiring President & CEO and undertook the challenge of building what would become the premier telephone company in the country. His career spanned 37 years at LCC and included the Chairmanship of the United States Telephone Association for two terms.

A long tenured member of the Texas Telephone Association saw him receive the prestigious Neville Haynes Award for a lifetime of leadership and service to the telephone industry. In 1991 he received the honor of Man of the Year from Texas A&M University for his role of founding the telecommunications program at the Schools of Engineering Department that produced many of today’s technology leaders. He proudly served on the Board of the Schools of Engineering at Texas A&M, as well as the Board of Business School at Southwest Texas State University.

His dedication to the local communities was embodied by his service to the Board of Directors of Republic Bank Lufkin, First Bank of Conroe, First Bank and Trust East Texas Diboll where he proudly helped establish and implement the Trust Department that has benefited many in East Texas. He served the community as a member of the Memorial Hospital System for 25 years and devoted much time to his beloved First Baptist Church as a long time Board Member and chairman of the Finance Committee. At one time he participated on thirteen Board of Director positions and numerous committee assignments, in addition to his role as President and CEO of Lufkin Conroe Communications, a true testament to his work ethic and desire to help the communities he served prosper for the benefit of many. Larry helped found and manage PurgeRite, LLC as his last business venture. It was a great challenge in it’s early stages but through his expertise and dedication has become an industry leading service provider to many of the largest corporations in the world. A fitting end to a legendary business career. He was a proud member of Pine Island Hunting & Fishing Club and enjoyed many wonderful times sitting around the campfire with friends.

His greatest joy in life was time spent with his family. His encouragement and guidance was to live a life of generosity and kindness just as he exemplified and to always give thanks to Jesus Christ for his eternal gift of salvation.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his oldest child, Anna Ross Sanchez.

Larry leaves behind his loving wife, Cookie Ross; daughter and son-in-law, Marcy and Matt Bradshaw of Spicewood; son and daughter-in-law, Kirk and Gaynell Ross of Navasota; grandchildren, Shea Sanchez and husband, Kevin Richardson, Ross Bradshaw, Drew Bradshaw, Ben Bradshaw, John Michael Ross, Logan Ross, Jenna and her husband Hunter Harrington; great-grandchildren, Aaron Somodevilla, Anna Somodevilla, Kate Bradshaw, Jakob Ross, Hallie Harrington and Hilton Harrington.

The family would like to extend our most sincere and deepest appreciation to Dad’s caregivers, Sharon, Ty, Sara, Shirley and Paris.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.