Obituary of Leslie Ray Ross

On Thursday, February 9, 2023, Leslie Ray Ross of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away at the age of 78 at home with his family. Born in Blythewood on April 26th, 1944, Ray was the son of Earl Gillespie and Froshene George (Coutsos) Ross. Upon graduating from Blythewood High School, he began a long career working for Bell South throughout South Carolina and across the Southeast. He was elected a union representative of Communication Workers of America in 1985, a position he proudly held until he retired from Bell South in 1996.

As an avid Clemson athletics fan, Ray enjoyed attending and watching games with family and friends. When not cheering on his Clemson Tigers, he could be found embracing his love of the outdoors, whether he was in the mountains, at the beach or on the water. His greatest love was his family and his wife, Jackie. Ray was loved by many and was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather.

Ray is survived by his wife, Jackie; his children, Leah Napper and her husband Chip; Hoyt Ross and his wife Robin; Shayne Ross and his wife Lindsey; Jennifer Ross and her husband Bryan Blake; and Kelly LaMountain and her husband Spencer. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sara Beth Napper, Katie Napper, Alex Ross, Katrina Balsavage, Hunter Ross, Gray Ross, Tristan Ross, Aleena Ross, Lenix LaMountain and Charlee LaMountain; and his brother Earl “Skinny” Ross of Summerville, SC.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 20th, 2023 at 4p.m. at Folly Beach United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to South Carolina Wildlife Federation (https://www.scwf.org/) or Children’s Cancer Partners (https://childrenscancerpartners.org/) and are greatly appreciated.