Matthew Yates Ross, Jr

Matthew Yates Ross, Jr, 86, of Mint Hill, died Saturday, May 14, 2016 at his home. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on July 31, 1929, he was the son of Matthew Yates Ross Sr. and Josephine Faucette Ross. In high school he met the lovely Ms. Frances Garmon, who we would later marry on November 10, 1950, in Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of 17, he “modified” his age in order to enlist and answer his country’s call to service during World War II. Matthew went on to become a paratrooper in the Army Air Corps before his honorable discharge. He and his wife moved to Charlotte where they have been residents for the past 40 years. A smart man with a good head for business, Matthew got a job with the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors. He worked there for 35 years, ultimately retiring early at the age of 60 as an assistant zone manager. After his retirement, Matthew continued in the automotive industry working with the car auctions in the Charlotte area. Matthew enjoyed many things in life. He was active in personal fitness and could often be found working out at the gym. A man devoted to his faith, he read the bible and taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church of Charlotte. His personal experience in World War II led him to take personal interest in both WWI and WWII. In the end, Matthew was a man of service. Whether serving in his country, serving his dealerships as a zone representative for GM, or serving his faith community at church, he was not a selfish person but instead always wanted others who deserved the benefit to receive it. Most of all, Matthew loved the time spent with family and friends and he will be missed by all who knew him. Matthew is survived by his wife, Frances of Mint Hill; two daughters: Ginny Ross of Harrisburg and Julie (husband David) Sheehan of Harrisburg; six grandchildren: Alexis Dwyer of Fayetteville, NC, Matthew Dwyer of Dillon, CO, Jessica James of Mt Pleasant, SC, Andrea James of Harrisburg, and Corporal Justin James stationed in Jacksonville, NC, and Kara Sheehan of Harrisburg; and six great grandchildren: Alycia Dwyer, Roderick T. Polk II, Amorah Crawford, Cooper Avant, Kaeson Gregory, and Rylan Schnake; and two sisters: Betty Ray of Conyers, GA, and Miriam Pair of Jefferson, GA. Matt is further survived by his Bojangles Coffee Club, the men of his Sunday School Class and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, David. Matt’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for them during this time. A service to celebrate the life, love and blessing of Matt led by Pastor Michael Cummings of First Baptist Church of Charlotte will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, in the funeral home chapel located at 4715 Margaret Wallace Road. Friends may call upon the family that morning from 10 AM until the time of service. Following services, Matthew will be taken in formal procession to Evergreen Cemetery, 4426 Central Avenue, Charlotte. There he will be laid to his final earthly place of rest with military honors.

Matthew Yates Ross, Jr

July 31, 1929 - May 14, 2016