FELTON - Norman Fulton Ross passed away on Nov. 15, 2017 with his family at his bedside at BayHealth Medical Center.
Norman was born in Everett, Mass. on Jun. 29, 1938. He graduated from Weymouth High School in Jun. 1956 and his chosen profession was auto body repair. Norman was extremely driven to succeed, having grown up during the aftermath of the great depression, and worked seven days a week for many years to provide a successful living for his family.
He was shrewd in his endeavors, started his own business at the young age of twenty. He was self-employed through Ross Auto Body for twenty-five years and a true leader in the community. He was on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Auto Body Shop Owners Association. He also provided a towing service for the Weymouth Police Department.
He always had horses and raced Standardbred horses for twenty years. His motto was winning and he had a true respect for the harness racing sport and maintained a leadership position with their organization. At the age of 40 he was in a ski mobile accident and incapacitated for two months and was told he may not walk again. Stubbornness and resiliency prevailed and Norman did walk. This near-handicapping experience fueled his decision to retire and slow down the hardworking grueling lifestyle.
In 1983, he relocated to Delaware and spent his time farming, horseracing, and classic car collecting. He started riding Harley Davidson motorcycles when he turned 64 years of age. He always appreciated the wildlife on his property and would look for his deer, turkeys, and foxes daily. He was very organized, independent, and a perfectionist, having long-term goals throughout his life; always seeking to learn new things. His well- known furry companion, "King", preceded him in death this past year.
All those who knew Norman would say that they could count on him being true to his word. He had a very strong work ethic and very strong opinions about the way things should be. People close to him recognized his bold personality and called him "Stormin Norman". He had several friends from the town of Felton that would visit the Goose Creek convenience store daily. They would agonize about political current events and support and learn from one another. His political views were well known and he generally liked to be productive and loyalty was paramount in his life. Anyone who spoke to Norman for more than five minutes never forgot him. We will miss him greatly and look forward to seeing him in the next life.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Barbara Whitney Ross; two daughters, Kimberly Ross-Tilley and Michelle Ross; and one grandson, Nicholas Ross Tilley.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at Berry-Short Funeral Home, E. Main St., Felton, where friends may come at 1 p.m. for a time of visitation. Following the services everyone is invited to the Felton Fire Hall for a reception.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.