Marcus Md

MARCUS LAMAR ROSS, M.D, died at Hillcrest Baptist Hospital in Waco on Sunday, September 24, 2006, after a life well lived.

Dr. Ross was born on June 29, 1914, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, to Vara Scott Ross and Marcus Lamar Ross, Sr. He attended elementary school in Brookhaven, Mississippi and graduated as valedictorian of his high school class in Santa Rosa, Texas.

Dr. Ross attended Edinburgh College (now The University of Texas - Pan America) for two years and received his bachelor's degree from The University of Texas in Austin. He received his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. He completed his internship and two years of residency in Neuro Psychiatry at John Sealy Hospital, Galveston, before starting a general medicine practice in 1943. He volunteered for the U.S. Army Medical Corps in 1941, and was a Second Lieutenant and received an honorable medical discharge in 1943. On December 25, 1938 he was united in marriage to Mary Frances Beddoe in Dallas, Texas.

After 36 years of serving the community through private practice, Dr. Ross was asked in 1969 to found, organize and chair the Family Medicine Department at The University of Texas Medical Branch which was the first such department in a medical school in Texas. He served as chair and was tenured professor of family medicine until he retired in 1979. He was a charter member of the American Academy of Family Practice and was a diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice.

Always an example of living his faith, Dr. Ross was a member of First Baptist Church, Galveston, from 1935 until 1999. He was chairman of the Board of Deacons three times, was selected as a deacon emeritus in 1985, taught Sunday school, and served on numerous committees. He joined Calvary Baptist Church in Waco, Texas in 1999.

Deeply committed to his belief in the uniqueness and potential of Galveston, Dr. Ross served the city in numerous areas. He was a city councilman in Galveston from 1963-1969 and was mayor from 1971 -1973. During that time he was involved in securing the property and working with Texas A&M University to establish the Texas Maritime Academy at Galveston, helped to increase resources for an adequate water supply for Galveston, and helped establish the Oceanographic Scientific Institute. He was a Director of the Galveston County Water Authority and chaired the Historical Foundation during the development and implementation of the restoration of the historic Strand area. He chaired the medical division of the United Fund, was on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and served as a director on the Bank of Galveston from 1965-1993. In 1972, he was selected as one of the "Men of Achievement in Texas" by the Texas Press.

Dr. Ross was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Mary Frances Beddoe. Dr. Ross is survived by a daughter, Jan Purdy, and husband Tom, a son, Marc Ross, and wife Laura; three grandchildren, Jill Roberson, and husband Todd, Melissa Mines and husband David, Ross Purdy; and four great grandchildren, Lindsey Roberson, Parker Roberson, Sarah Mines and Benjamin Mines. In addition to his two parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Bentz.

He was dedicated to God, his family and his community.

Graveside services will be 1:30 pm on Friday, September 29, 2006 at Forrest Park Cemetery in the Chapel of Faith in Webster with Pastor Julie Pennington- Russell officiating (Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Waco).
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lamar Ross Centennial Fund to honor outstanding family medicine residents, 301 University Blvd. Galveston, Texas 77550 or to Calvary Baptist Church, general or building fund, P.O. box 3313 Waco, Texas 76707.
The family thanks all of the staff and caregivers at Royal Manor Nursing Home as well as numerous family and friends for their boundless support and care.