Mark Ross

Mark Lee Ross, a devoted husband, son, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025 after a courageous battle with ALS. He was born on October 17, 1961 in El Paso, Texas to William G. Ross (deceased) and Donnie Ruth Johnson Ross currently of Newark, Texas. Throughout his 63 years he built a life marked by hard work, faith, and quiet resilience. 

Mark’s life carried him across El Paso, Texas; Florala, Alabama; Round Rock, Texas; and Thrall, Texas. Mark graduated from Andress High School (El Paso, Texas) in 1980 and was most recently employed by AIT Worldwide Logistics. Wherever he went he brought with him a steady spirit and a deep love for family. For fifteen years he shared his life with his wife and best friend, Tami (Tams) Cox Vance, creating a home filled with laughter and love in Round Rock and Thrall, Texas. He loved music, cooking and his dogs. 

Mark’s heart was equally tied to the land and the open road. On the Florala farm, he stood beside his parents as their tireless ally tending cattle and pigs, planting corn, and mending fences. Summers at the farm left his niece and nephews with cherished memories of Uncle Mark: fishing trips, horseback rides, treehouse adventures, outrunning wasps, and even wild stories of alligator encounters. 

He is survived by his beloved wife Tams Cox Vance (child; Alx [Ammy]); his mother Ruth Ross; his brothers Bill (Pam) Ross and Mike (Dee) Ross; and his niece Lauren (Dan) Graves and nephews Brian (Jessica) Ross, Jason (Chelsea) Ross, Ben (Jocelyn) Ross, Steven (Kelsey) Ross and sixteen great nephews and nieces. Though life’s paths carried the brothers in different directions, their bond remained, rooted in shared beginnings and unspoken love. 

When ALS entered his life, Mark met it with dignity and faith. His warm smile and quiet courage never wavered, reminding all who knew him of the strength found in grace. We were so blessed to have loved and been loved by Mark. 

A memorial service will be held on September 27 at the Aurora Baptist Church, Aurora, Texas to honor and celebrate Mark’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the ALS Association (als.org) in Mark’s name, carrying forward his strength and supporting others in the fight against this disease.