LTC (Ret.) Garry D Ross

Lt. Col. (Retired) Garry Dean Ross, 79, of Hodgenville, passed away at his home, Saturday, December 13, 2025 after an extended illness.

Throughout his life, Garry seized every opportunity to improve himself as a Christian, father, and serviceman for his country. As a member of First Baptist Church Hodgenville, he grew as a follower of Christ through his Signet Sunday School Class and DLife groups. His love for his family was one of his greatest achievements. If any of his six daughters or their families needed anything, he would do his best to make it happen. He served his country for 28 years, six enlisted and 22 as an officer, from 1967 to 1995, with his final assignment as squadron commander of the 62 Airlift Control Squadron. A Hercules C130 pilot with over 4500 hours, he traveled to approximately 150 countries and compiled a list of numerous awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Army Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters. He remained in contact with many of his squadron throughout his retirement.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Kathy Ross; his daughters, Kellee Ross (Will Ashton) of Bellvue, Brittany Ross (Jeff Leddy) of Georgetown, Tiffany Ross of Goshen, Beth Turner (Brad), Allison Elmore (Carter) and Katie Holt (Matt) all of Hodgenville. In addition, he leaves seven grandchildren, Gavin and Breece Ross-Leddy, Kara Hanson, Biven and Baines Turner and Griffey and Ripken Elmore.

He is also survived by a sister, Sue Wiese of Reynolds, Indiana and a twin brother, Larry Ross of Riverside, California.

Garry served his community in retirement as a teacher for LaRue County Schools Alternative Education Program, The Life Connection and as a GED instructor at the LaRue County Detention Center. He was also a mentor to many elementary children through LaRue County Reads and a huge supporter of Camp Invention.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Thursday, December 18 at 11 a.m. at Bennett-Bertram Funeral Home in Hodgenville with Brother Scott Sandidge and Brad Turner officiating. Burial will follow in Red Hill Cemetery with full military honors.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17 and after 9 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers include Jeff Leddy, Will Ashton, Carter Elmore, Matt Holt, Joey McCoy, Nate McClure, Biven Turner and Baines Turner. Honorary pallbearers are Jr. Puyear, Jim Boley, Dale Morris, Jack Mitchell and Jimmie McDowell.

At Garry’s request, memorial contributions can be made to Abraham Lincoln Elementary PTO, 2101 Lincoln Farm Road, Hodgenville, Kentucky 42748 for scholarships to Camp Invention or the LaRue County Reads program.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of LTC (Ret.) Garry D Ross, please visit our floral store.