Ross Thomas Thornton, III.

Ross Thomas Thornton, III. went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 5, 2025 in Waco, Texas. Ross was born on July 6, 1967 in Waco to Ross Thomas Thornton, Jr. and Georgiana Thornton Bussey. Ross was a Texan through and through, which included his passion for football…specifically Texas college football. He was very loyal and proud of his Rice Owls, Houston Cougars, Baylor Bears & China Spring Cougars; most of the clothes he owned were branded with one of his teams. He also loved history, politics, the military, motorcycles, and sports cars. However, Ross’ greatest passion and gift was the game of golf. He started swinging a golf club at the age of four beside his dad. It was immediately clear that he was blessed with a natural swing and love for the game. Ross started playing tournaments near and far, while gaining the attention of newspapers and coaches. He continued his highly successful golf career and eventually became the top player on the China Spring High School golf team which went on to win the Texas State Championship in 1984 & 1985. He was highly recruited by college coaches and earned a golf scholarship to Rice University. He later transferred to the University of Houston, where he graduated in 1992. He was an extremely gifted and talented golfer that played his entire life at a level most only dream of. He loved every aspect of the game and loved sharing & teaching his craft with others, both young and old. His remarkable skill propelled him into multiple roles in the golf business, such as being a professional instructor, managing golf courses, and competing in tournaments. He started his career at Bear Creek Golf World in Houston and continued at Pasadena Municipal Golf Course in Pasadena, TX. Concurrently and following his golf pursuits, he explored various ventures in the restaurant and hospitality industries.

Several years ago, Ross had a life changing re-connection with his faith. He started to attend United Methodist Church, loved to study and share scripture, and developed meaningful relationships with friends/mentors in his Bible study group. He soon met Pastor Wayne Williams and started to attend Renew Church. His intense love and adoration for Jesus Christ was the biggest blessing, and that now gives his family & friends great peace, knowing he is forever in God’s glory.

Anyone that knew Ross instantly recognized his love for his family and how proud he was to show them off. He was quick to give his trademark big hugs and tell you often that he loved you. Ross’ unwavering loyalty towards his family was refreshing and rare in today’s world. He loved posting pictures of his family, especially of his dear “Mama”, as her passing years ago left a hole in his heart that could never be filled. There was not a day that went by that he did not think of her. Ross is now where he has always wanted to be, by her side again.

Ross was preceded in death by his adored mother, Georgiana Thornton Bussey. Ross will be missed by his father, Ross Thomas Thornton Jr.; younger brother, Jordan Ryan Thornton; beloved sister, Traci Thornton Robbins and brother-in-law, Robert Robbins; along with nephew, Jackson Robbins and nieces, Elise & Whitney Robbins. Additionally, he is survived by his stepfather, Calvin Bussey and stepbrother, Tom Bussey. Ross had a special place in his heart for Deanna Williams Bracciale, a very devoted Christian friend. He and Deanna shared this faith journey. He will also be dearly missed by many cousins and cherished longtime childhood friends.

Honorary pallbearers are Brian Nelson, Terry Nightingale, Larry White, Jim Morman, Jeff Warhol, and Brad Keiller.

Flowers for his service, or donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (in honor of Ross Thomas Thornton III) are welcome.
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR ST. JUDE DONATIONS