I’ve come to realize that the two most important dates in one’s life here on earth are when you’re born and when you die. You are what you created between those dates, as we are all the masters of our own fate. I was lucky enough to be born into a family of love and closeness headed by strong women and strong men that helped to form the basis for the man I was to become. Thanks to my mother who gave her all to give me a good home and the best she could provide materially. But the love she always showed her children is unsurpassed. Edward “B” Notis assumed the role of mentor, surrogate father and teacher instilling in me the knowledge and character essential to become a real man and father. His teachings and guidance helped me to choose the military as a means to develop into manhood and be a good father and provider.

I served my country honorably and I hope I served “B” and my family with just as much honor. I received many awards in the military and my civilian career, but I consider my greatest achievement, outside of my children and family, to be my college degree. Having been written off by society and teachers, I declared myself as the “dropout who dropped back in.” I hope my grandchildren will follow this example and be the best they can be. Education is the key to success. Learn all that you can…you never know when you may need it.

To have been lucky enough to warrant the love of two good women in one’s lifetime is twice as much as any man can hope for. One, I was too young and dumb to appreciate what I had; and the other, I was too old and sick to get the most out of a wonderful person. I thank you for your love and caring and pray that I brought something good into your life. Thanks to my grandbabies for all the love and happiness they gave me. Always remember that “Poppy” loved you all so very much. Honor me by being good to yourselves, your parents, and get the best out of the life you have. Charles Jr. and Christopher have always been my best friends and a driving force in all my achievements. I wanted to be the example for them that “B” was for me. Take care of your families and give them just as good as you got … or better. I hope that all of you will forgive my fussing, bossiness, and dogmatic behavior … most of it was out of love and concern. Continue to love each other as you love me …. Pops.

Charles was predeceased by his father, Charles W. Ross “Spike” and mother Carolyn L. Butler “Miss Miny” in 2017; step-father, Joseph H. Butler “Mr. Tip”; uncle, William Brooks “Mickey;” aunt, Ethelda N. Kimbo “Peggy” in 2011; uncle-in-law, Leonard Kimbo in 2019; former wife, Marcel H. Ross in 2009; grandson, Christopher Ross in 1999; mentor and surrogate father, Edward B. Notis; and mother-in-law, Mary F. Younger in 2014.

Charles leaves precious memories to be cherished by his loving wife, Zilphia (Pat) Ross; his beloved sons, Charles Jr. (Junko) and Christopher (Pamtress); his grandchildren, Dinah Dunlap (Zyren, Kyonia, Tyler, Micah and Jada); Makesha Dunlap (Naomi); Jalen Ross, Johnathan Ross, Britteny Ross Cassaidy (Kyle) and Tymon Blow; his siblings, Margaret “Toni” Van Medley (Thomas), Everett Tooles (Vanessa), Carolyn “Tinka” Tooles, Anthony Tooles, Jeffrey Tooles, Derek Ross, Damon Ross, Tanya Taylor (Thomas) and Greer Ross-McCullough (Frank); aunts, Mary Dale McCoy (Alvin) and Janice Dailey; long-time friends, Howard Matthews of Maine, Wilbur Bell of Annapolis, Carl Jones (Bump) of Annapolis, and Charles McKenzie of South Carolina; and many other relatives, friends and acquaintances. He will be greatly missed.