Coleman Ray Gross

Coleman Ray “Papa” Gross, 82, of Prince George, VA went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Born and raised in Hazard, Kentucky, Ray learned from a young age what it was like to work hard, help those who need it, and love your family. Walking uphill both ways in the snow to school was not a challenge, but instead stepping stones in making Papa into the strong man he was. Ray spent his years serving this country in the U.S. Army. During his time of service, he was stationed in Japan, where he met Keiko, the love of his life. Since then, they have been inseparable.

Together, throughout the distance and other challenges they had three wonderful children. Retirement came for the U.S. Army Captain Gross in 1985 from Fort Lee, Virginia.  Ray then worked as a teacher for the City of Hopewell Public Schools, and as a Quality Assurance Specialist for Bellwood. Shortly after the arrival of his grandchildren, Ray decided it was time to actually retire. During his glory years, Ray drove his minivan, or as he called it “the school bus” for the grandkids to and from school each day. He enjoyed sitting outside waxing his truck, listening to Elvis or Bluegrass music, sitting in the garage enjoying the weather and watching the neighbors drive by, or cutting the grass on his lawnmower. Papa was a courageous, dedicated, and loving man that would do anything for anyone who needed the help. He was his family’s biggest supporter, and his family always valued him, his love, and his support.

Ray is preceded in death by his father, John E. “Daddy Waga” Gross; mother, Molly Jo Boggs; brother, Coeburn Gross; and brother-in-law, Rex Begley.

Ray leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Keiko; children, Linda Williams (Perry), Michael Gross, and Diana Bendall (Tommy); the many grandchildren that he loved, Josh, Amada, Mikey, Haley, Shiloh, Ryan, Alana, and Noah; sister, Coleen Begley; numerous nieces & nephews; and the great-granddogs, Waylon, Scooby and the Critters of Lazy P Ranch.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023 in the Crater Road Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 3935 South Crater Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23805. Family will accept friends one hour prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, 4601 Forbes Blvd, Suite #130, Lanham, MD 20706. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.