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Bonnie Wayne (BW) Ross Click for Condolences      Printable Version 1937 - 2011 Bonnie Wayne (B.W.) Ross passed away November 3, 2011 at Baptist Hospital. He was born January 30, 1937 to B.F. and Dott Ross in Jefferson, TX. Mr. Ross received both his Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts degrees from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches. He began his 29 year career as a band director in Mt. Enterprise, TX. He then taught in Longview, Carlisle and New London schools before settling in Silsbee in the fall of 1969. He was band director in the Silsbee Independent School district for 18 years. Mr. Ross's bands won several awards over the years including first places in UIL Marching contests and several Sweepstakes Awards. His New London band was chosen to perform at the Red River Exposition held in Winnipeg, Canada and at the Cotton Bowl parade and halftime. The Silsbee High School Marching Band of 1980-81 was selected to compete in the UIL State Marching contest in Austin. While teaching at Pine Tree Jr. High in Longview in 1959, he met and married his wife of 51 years LaVerne Weeks Ross. They celebrated their 50th anniversary on December 19, 2009. After his retirement from teaching in 1987, he became the owner of East Texas Music in Groves where he was able to continue his connection with the band community. After selling the business and retiring in 1997, he was able to spend time with his grandchildren and on the golf course, two of his favorite past times. Mr. Ross was preceded in death by his parents B.F. and Dott Ross. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, LaVerne; daughter Sheila Ross of Silsbee; daughter Lanita Ross Gilchriest and son-in-law Brook Gilchriest of Silsbee; grandson Ross Gilchriest and granddaughter Gracie Gilchriest of Silsbee and several nieces, nephews and special friends and family members. A visitation will be held Saturday, November 6, 2011 at Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee from 5-7 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at R. S. Farmer Memorial Cemetery in Silsbee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children's Miracle Network, the March of Dimes or the charity of your choice.

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There are currently 17 condolences.

Patsy Hammontree 1patsytackett@gmail.com Saturday May 13, 2017 at 3:24 PM

I just heard about Mr. Ross's passing at my 50th class reunion in New London, Texas. He was the BEST Band Director ever. I led his band as drum major in 1966 and 1967. We had a great time under his leadership!!

Jerry Holt Class of '73 Tuesday November 15, 2011 at 3:02 PM

Mrs. Ross and Family, My condolences for your loss. Mr.Ross was an excellent music teacher who inspired his students to work hard and excel. I have many fond memories of my years in the Silsbee HS band. My prayers are with you.

Friday November 11, 2011 at 8:21 AM

We will miss BW.He was a fine person.Just found about his death Thur.He played both of my grandsons In the last Silsbee tour.They enjoyed playing with him very much. Our prayers are with you. Duane Baker

Terry Dorsey Wednesday November 9, 2011 at 8:25 AM

Mrs. Ross, You and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I have only pleasant memories of Mr. Ross and the enjoyment I had being a part of his band at New London. My sincere condolences to you and may God Bless the Ross family.

Wednesday November 9, 2011 at 8:12 AM

Brenda Killingsworth Sunday November 6, 2011 at 9:55 PM

Lanita, Lee and I just heard today. We send ondolences to you and your family. Know that we will keep you in our prayers.

Peggy and Ron Scarborough Sunday November 6, 2011 at 4:39 PM

LaVerne and family, what sweet memories we hold of Bonnie! How wonderful to spread his love of music to so many. Ross, I'm thinking of you, also, during this difficult time. Please know I am sending prayers of comfort from across the miles...

Mabel Hudgins Sunday November 6, 2011 at 1:19 AM

I am so sorry, Laverne. Bonnie was such a fine person. Of course memories go back to SFA days. Judy will tell Jimmie and he will be sad. You and daughters or in my thoughts and prayers.

Ben C, Cooner Saturday November 5, 2011 at 9:34 PM

When I was a sophomore in high school, Bonnie Wayne, a senior befriended me and taught me a great deal about decency, being responsible, and caring for others. Obviously he continued to teach other people these and many other positive character traits. I mourn the death of this fine man and pray that God will comfort the family as they deal with their loss.

Ben Saturday November 5, 2011 at 9:02 PM

Freda and Ronnie Saturday November 5, 2011 at 7:55 PM

You will be in our prayers and thoughts. I know that the two of had a good marriage and you will miss him more than anyone could image. During these times trust in our Lord to give you the stength you need. I wish I could say something to help you and know that there is nothing. The only thing I can think of is he didn"t have to suffer in pain and long time. We will miss playing golf with him and his special personality. He had a special place in Ronnie's and my heart we too will miss him. Love Ronnie and Freda Roach.

Anna Mary Gore Saturday November 5, 2011 at 10:52 AM

LaVerne, Beassured that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers,and that we remember the TIGER BAND under the direction of Mr. B.W. Ross, in fact, Mary Lee called to tell me.

Elizabeth Goff Saturday November 5, 2011 at 9:03 AM

My throughts and prayers are with you at this time. Elizabeth Goff

mike geddie Friday November 4, 2011 at 11:09 PM

Sorry to hear about Bonnie, he was a great mentor to me back at West Rusk,,Judy and I have you and the girls in our prayers.

Lowell Clark Friday November 4, 2011 at 6:12 PM

I was a real shock when I received the email about Bonnie. He and I were roommates for two years at SFA. He was a great person to know and Will surely be missed by many. My heart goes out to LaVerne and family during this difficult loss.

Bill Goodson billg0973@aol.com Friday November 4, 2011 at 5:35 PM

I knew Bonnie when he was at New London and later West Rusk while I was at DEaingerfield. I remember that he had really outstanding bands. He wasted me at several halftimes when we played West Rusk. My condolences to LaVerne and his other family, He was a good friend.

SHERRY TAFF FELPS Friday November 4, 2011 at 2:54 PM

Mrs Ross, I was very sadden about the passing of Mr. Ross even though I wasn't in band I still admired him so much. He will greatly be missed. Take each day as it comes and God will get you through this grief. May God Bless you, Sherry Taff Felps,Class of 1967.

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