He was born on May 27, 1954, in Princeton, Kentucky, to Clifton Dorris “Eli” Thomas and Dollie Smith Thomas, who preceded him in death.
Ross served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. After his military service, he spent 20 years working as a maintenance technician at ABCO Corp. in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
Outside of work, Ross had a passion for sports, particularly as a die-hard fan of the University of Kentucky basketball team. As a grandparent, he took immense joy in being Papaw, cheering on his grandchildren at their sports events and activities. He was a member of Liberty Point Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Bobby Thomas, Jackie Thomas, Dorris Thomas, and Clifton Thomas, and his sisters Deloris Burnam and Betty Ricks.
He is survived by his daughters Tameika Johnson of Cadiz and Roschelle Gardner of Gadsden, AL, six grandchildren: Carter Cavanaugh, Colton Cavanaugh, Courtland Wilson, Laurel Harp, Caleigh Lontoc, and Eli Harp, and sisters Josephine Williamson of Houston, MO, Nell McClure of Clarksville, TN, Brenda Underwood of Dover, TN, and Grace Rogers (Frank) of Crofton, KY.
Funeral services will be at Goodwin Funeral Home, 138 Main Street in Cadiz, at 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 7, 2026, with Bro. Kenny Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in Starkie Thomas Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the funeral home.
The funeral service will be live-streamed beginning at 12:55 PM, Saturday, February 7, 2026, on our YouTube channel at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo5Ca_S9OQg
