Walter Ray Ross, 89, of Statesville, N.C., passed away Saturday, December 11, 2021, surrounded by his family at his home.

Walter was born December 16, 1931, in West Virginia and was the son of the late Lawrence and Mary Ross. He honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and on August 13, 1955, he married Rosalie Fraga Ross, who survives, of the home. Together they were members of New Salem United Methodist Church and raised four children. He was retired from Southern Bell Telephone Company and loved being outdoors, especially with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Walter is survived by four children, Peggy Ross Campbell (Rick), Pamela Ross Robinson (Dewey), Penny Ross Carter (Gary), and Timothy Ross (Tammy); 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and one sister, Bess R. Deemer. He was preceded in death by five sisters.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at New Salem UMC with full military honors following the service.

Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County or to New Salem UMC. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.