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Obituary for JOHN WESLEY GROSS, JR.
John Wesley Gross Jr. (affectionately known as Big Wes) was born on July 8, 1933 to the late John Wesley, Sr. and Sarah Saunders Gross. Big Wes was called home to rest on Friday, December 4, 2009 at the Prince George's Hospital Center.
Big Wes received his education in the Calvert County Public Schools until 1946. He stopped attending school for other commitments and obligations. However, at the age of 69, one of his greatest accomplishments was that he graduated valedictorian with his Maryland High School Diploma on June 30, 2000.
In September 1952, Big Wes enlisted in The United States Army. He served in the Korean War and returned home on May 11, 1954. Big Wes entered the Masonic Victory Lodge 71 in June 1972. He was a Past Master and a 32nd Degree. Big Wes was a Business Agent for Local 832 Labor Union. He worked as a Security Guard for Seagull Beach, he worked as a well digger and he helped build the Calvert Cliff Nuclear Power Plant.
Big Wes loved watching the Dallas Cowboys defeat the Washington Redskins. He loved playing cards, watching Bill O'Reilly (The O'Reilly Factor), visiting family and friends and driving people around. From May to October, Big Wes loved to hold court on the front porch of The Office. He loved talking to people; he loved giving advice for everything and to everyone. He had a love for teaching and learning new things. Most of all, Big Wes always had encouraging words for everyone.
Big Wes married his beloved wife Mary S. Boome on November 14, 1958 and recently celebrated 51years of marriage on November 14, 2009. In this union, they had nine children. Mary Frances Harrod (Earl), William Randolph Kyler, Warren Thomas Claggett (Nina), Gloria Jean Foster (James), John Wesley Gross III, Carrie Elizabeth Gross, Charles Wilson Gross and Lyndon Baines Gross (LB) (Amanda); fifteen grandchildren, sixteen great- grandchildren and 1 great great- grandchild; He also leaves one sister, Marion Russell and a special niece Florence Howard (Emmaline); two sister's in-law, Angeline Boome and LeAudrey Boome. Preceded him in death; one son James Claggett; two brothers Wilson and Charles Gross; three sisters Mary Palmer, Troby Hodge and Sarah Simon.
He also leaves a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and two devoted friends; William (Buncie) Bourne and Harry Gray.
9:30 am to 11:00 am at Mt. Olive UM Church 10 Fairground Road Prince Frederick, MD 20678 on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 (map/driving directions)
10:00 am - 10:30 am American Legion and Masonic Ceremonies
Service:
11:00 am at Mt. Olive UM Church 10 Fairground Road Prince Frederick, MD 20678 on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 (map/driving directions)
