Raymond Ross, age 78, of Epworth, passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2018 in Chattanooga, TN. Mr. Ross was born in Mineral Bluff, GA on June 15, 1940 to the late Boyd and Thelma Dean Ross. He served as a deacon for 40 years at various churches and had served on numerous committees within the church. Most recently he was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He retired from Ford Motor Company after a more than 35 year career. He was a devoted husband and a very caring father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was passionate about everything he did and belonged to and was also known as a great storyteller who loved living life to the fullest. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Madeline Tarpley and Barbara Barton.He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Alma Ross of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Bradley and Staci Ross of Social Circle, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Danny Kinard of Charleston, SC; grandchildren, Andrew Wilbanks, Danner Kinard, Kalli Kinard, and Caleb Ross; great grandchildren, DeLyla Rilee and Finn Gartlan; and a brother, Jerry (Cheryl) Ross of Mineral Bluff, GA.Funeral Services were conducted on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Chapel of Akins Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Adams and Rev. Danny Queen officiating. Music was provided by Staci and Caleb Ross. Interment followed the service in the Copper Ridge Memory Gardens with Rev. Keith Lowery officiating and the following gentleman serving as pallbearers: Caleb Ross, Andrew Wilbanks, Jimmy Sneed, Shane Bell, Shane McGill, Chris Beavers, Bennie Wingate, and Bailey Barton. Deacons that Mr. Ross had the honor of serving with served as honorary escort. Condolences may be made online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements. . Visitation Akins Funeral Home - Blue Ridge Tuesday, July 10, 2018 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM 7871 Blue Ridge DriveBlue Ridge, Georgia 30513 Directions Funeral Service Akins Funeral Home - Blue Ridge Wednesday, July 11, 2018 2:00 PM 7871 Blue Ridge DriveBlue Ridge, Georgia 30513 Directions