[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 67 (Thursday, May 6, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING RALPH ROSS ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 2010

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, Ralph Ross of Knoxville, Tennessee turned 
100 years old on May 3, 2010. I cannot think of a finer father, 
Christian, or community leader.
  Ralph has had an amazing, blessed life. But despite his personal 
business success, he remains a humble Christian who devotes his 
resources, time, and heart to others.
  Like many of Ralph's generation, he entered into the military during 
World War II after completing dental school and served admirably as the 
head of the dental corps at Camp Blanding, Florida.
  While safeguarding the health of his fellow soldiers during the war, 
Ralph met the love of his life. Frances was the head of the nurse's 
corps at Camp Blanding, and that chance encounter would result in a 63-
year marriage, two children, and four grandchildren.
  Ralph served full time from April 1, 1941, to May 9, 1946. Even after 
the war, he continued his commitment to the United States, serving in 
the Reserves through the 1960s and retiring a Lieutenant Colonel.
  Following his military service, Ralph got into the construction 
business. It takes a lot of hard work, determination, and a bit of luck 
to get a successful business off the ground. Ralph did it twice.
  After getting much of the contract work for construction at Oak 
Ridge, a subcontractor ran off with most of his supplies and pay for 
the work. He was left with a shovel, a bulldozer, and no money.
  Never one for self-pity, he started from scratch again by joining his 
brother in the coal business. And once again, he built a very 
successful business, selling it in 1982.
  Ralph is a shining example of how to live a Christian life. Blessed 
with security on this Earth, he has never stopped giving to those who 
are not as fortunate.
  From serving as President of the North Side Kiwanis Club in 
Knoxville, to his activities with Campus Crusade for Christ, YOLK Youth 
Ministries, Young Life, and Shriners International, Ralph spends his 
time helping others, especially youth. He is also a generous benefactor 
to the University of Tennessee.
  I graduated from high school with Ralph's son Roger and used to 
frequently play basketball at his house. I have known Roger Ross almost 
his entire life.
  He describes a bulletin board in their home filled with images of his 
father's generosity. ``You name it, he was in it,'' Roger says. ``Being 
a Christian was Daddy's life.''
  As a member of First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, and then later 
Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, Ralph served as elder and deacon. He 
is a very outgoing individual and meeting other people is his favorite 
thing.
  ``He always told me not to lie, and he never said a harsh word about 
anybody. And he would always help people,'' Roger says. ``You ask him 
for help, or came and asked him for money, and he would give it to 
you.''
  Ralph lives by the creed that you always help those in need, even if 
some folks may try to take advantage of you. ``That's life,'' he always 
says. ``It doesn't mean you stop helping people.''
  Madam Speaker, Ralph Ross, through his faith in God, continues to 
live an honorable life. I call his devotion to others to the attention 
of my colleagues and other readers of the Record and wish him a very 
happy 100th birthday. Roger Ross says of his father, ``He just has 
people everywhere that love him.'' I think there is no better 
definition than that of a good life.

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