Charles Ervin Ross

Charles Ervin Ross, age 98, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, under a strawberry moon in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. A memorial service is planned for August with details forthcoming.

Charles, aka Charlie, or Ervin in Ohio, was born in Mason Ohio February 18,1928 on a very snowy day. He told a story that the doctor had to spend the night with them because the snow was so deep. He is the son of the late Bess and Walter Ross.

He is survived by his two daughters Sue Ross of Lake Anna VA and Sara Ross Gorman of Surfside Beach SC whom he had with his wife Anne Lee Ryals Ross who preceded him in death. He also survived by his grandson Joseph Ross Gorman and his wife Marissa Gorman.

Charlie was also preceded in death by his loving wife Helen J. Riley. They were married for a little over 20 years after they found each other later in life at which time he moved from Manassas VA to Lynchburg VA. He is survived by his stepson Bill Riley and daughter-in-law Tricia Riley, and grandchildren Ireland and William Riley of Duluth Georgia. He is also survived by his stepson Lee Riley of Newman Georgia.

He is survived by one brother, William Ross of Mason Ohio. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Ross Hosea of Mason Ohio and Aerial Ross Lyons of Corpus Christi Texas and one brother Maynard B. Ross of California.

Charlie was educated in the public schools of Ohio graduating from Fairfield High in 1946 in Leesburg Ohio. He first attended Wilmington College for pre- engineering and then on to the Civil Engineering College of the University of Cincinnati, graduating in 1951 as a Civil Engineer. He worked in a cooperative program with the Pennsylvania Railroad while at school and then continued working for the railroad until he was called for duty in the US Army in January 1952 during the Korean War. He was in the US Army Engineers and taught highway and railroad construction until leaving the army in 1954 when he began his career as a Civil Engineer and married his wife Anne and started their life together.

In 1962, he and his friend Joe H. France opened the office of Ross & France Civil Engineering and Land Surveying, which later became Ross, France & Ratliff. They served Manassas and the surrounding area for over 50 years.

Charlie was a member of the Presbyterian Church his entire life, being an Elder, Deacon and Trustee and serving in numerous capacities over the years in Manassas Presbyterian Church and in Lynchburg at Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was very community service-minded and a member of numerous organizations including the Rotary Club of which he served in many different positions.

He became a Master Gardener later in life and was a member of the Hill City Master Gardeners Association. He liked working in his yard and garden. He enjoyed working with the children at the Lynchburg Boys and Girls Club and teaching them about gardening. He volunteered there for many years.

In the last few years of his life, he tired of taking care of a large house, so in 2024, he moved into an independent living apartment at The Summit in Lynchburg VA, where he met many new friends and neighbors. He was a friendly person, enjoyed people, and had many friends over the years, many of whom he outlived.

He will be missed.

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