In Memory
Troy Kent Ross, Sr.
September 9, 1948 ~ June 17, 2025
We celebrate the joyful life of Troy Kent Ross Sr, 76. His big loving presence, kindness, and caring heart will forever be remembered. Born to physical life in South Bend, Indiana September 9, 1948, he returned to non-physical life June 17, 2025 he leaves a profound legacy of love.
Kent was raised on the east side of South Bend, he attended Perley Elementary School, Jefferson Junior High, and John Adams High School graduating in 1967. Standing 6’5” he excelled in basketball at Adams, he was often in the newspaper, and earned scholarships from multiple colleges. Kent earned his associate degree from Cochise Junior College in Douglas, Arizona. He drove his 1968 Little Red Corvair when he transferred to Weber State University in Ogden, Utah where he continued to dominate on the basketball court while earning his bachelor's degree in 1971.
Kent’s professional life in the Detroit area included medical sales, which he excelled at due to his attention to detail, confidence, and ability to close a deal. Additionally, he worked for a major automotive company as a test car driver on the proving ground that were designed to test new car models for durability, speed, and function.
Kent owned a boat and especially enjoyed “catch and release” fishing, playing horseshoes, and the warmth of his fire pit with friends and family. He played the keyboard and he recently took up bowling. As a proud member of “Silver Sneakers” Kent stayed physically active. He followed a disciplined health regime, walked every day and rode his bike to enjoy nature.
Kent was preceded in death by his father Troy Ithama Ross, his mother Florence Elsie (Carter) Ross, and his significant other Carole L. Smith. Kent is survived by his son, Troy Kent Ross Jr., his son, Malcolm Xavier Ross, his daughter-in-law Nicole (Lacey) Ross, his granddaughters Tyanna, Ryann, and Mari and his great grandchildren, Hayden and Payton. Kent is also survived by his cousins from the Carter, Clark, Welch, and Smothers families and his in-laws from the families of Peggy (Doaks) Ross - Malcolm’s mom and Jacci (Gaines) Davis - Kent’s mom who added beloved bonus siblings, Franklin, Karen (who was given the nickname Shug by Kent) and Terrence Gaines.
Services
July 5, 2025
Viewing 9:30-10:30
Service 10:30
Progressive Missionary Baptist Church
1232 E. Bronson St.
South Bend, IN 46615
Burial: Highland Cemetery
Repast: Pentecostal Cathedral COGIC ( Fellowship Hall )
1025 W. Western Ave. So. Bend, IN 46601
6/25/2025 djb
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