"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism" -Ephesian 4:5

On Thursday January 22, 2026, Mr. Lewis Gene Ross Sr., departed this life at his residence in Dillwyn, Virginia. Lewis was born March 24, 1969, to Edward and Louise Stanton Ross, in Albemarle County, Virginia. He was the youngest of eight children.

Lewis was a graduate of the Buckingham County Public School System. Upon graduation, he relocated to the Appomattox and Lynchburg, Virginia areas. While in Lynchburg, he also met and married Sandra Christian and to this union they were blessed with three children. During this time, Lewis attended cosmetology school, earning his barber's license. After working for others doing hair, he decided to open his own shop, gaining a large client base. Lewis didn't mind working and held several jobs, but being a barber was his dream come true.

Due to some bad decisions, Lewis was incarcerated for several years. During this time, he often wrote home that after his release, he would “renew his barbers’ license and open another shop", and that he looked forward to meeting his grandchildren. After his release, Lewis suffered a stroke, affecting his right hand, leg and his speech, limiting his abilities. Upon this traumatic illness, he relocated back to Buckingham County in 2023.

Though Lewis gave his life to God at an early age, upon moving back to Buckingham, he began attending Baptist Union Baptist Church and rededicated his life to the Lord on May 7, 2023.

Lewis was proceeded in death by his parents: Edward and Louise Ross; brothers, Alvin Ross and Roger Eldridge; grandparents, George and Cassie Stanton, Allen, Sr, and Ethel Ross; two paternal aunts; one paternal uncle; three maternal aunts; and four maternal uncles.

Lewis leaves to cherish his memories: his three children, ShRhonda R. Zarella, Lewis “LJ” Ross, Jr.(Eden), and Tyler Ross; three grandchildren, Emmrie Ross, Ezra Ross and Sienna Zarella; five siblings, Edna R. Perkins, Edward Carl Ross, Ethel Mayo(Raymond), Lester Adam Ross, and Robert Ross(Shelly); thirteen nephews; six nieces; a host of great nephews and great nieces; four maternal uncles; two maternal aunts; three paternal aunts; one paternal uncle; and a host of cousins and friends.

Lewis held a special place in his heart for his siblings, Roland and Dorothy, Dodie White, Mark Johnson and his Aunt Daisy.