Hugh Michael "Mike" Ross

Hugh Michael “Mike” Ross, 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Mike was born on October 24, 1939, in Dothan, Alabama to the late Hugh and Merle Ross. He was the second of six children and spent his early years in Dothan before his family moved to Mobile, Alabama, then Fort Walton/Destin, Florida, and eventually Panama City, where he graduated from Bay High School in 1958.

While in high school, Mike performed with Pappy's Water Thrill Circus, showcasing his talent as a water skier throughout the Southeast. In 1959, he met the love of his life, Gloria Malloy. Their chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong romance, and they were married on April 14th, 1961. Together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage built on unwavering faith, love, and devotion.

Mike proudly served his country in the United States Air Force after enlisting in 1962. During his military service, he and Gloria welcomed their first two sons, Michael Allan and Kevin Bryan. Following his honorable service, he attended Florida State University on the GI Bill, earning a degree in Marketing and Business in 1967.

That same year, Mike began a distinguished 32-year career with Exxon. His work took his family throughout the Southeast, including North Carolina, Atlanta, Columbus, and Macon, Georgia, before they ultimately settled in Kathleen, Georgia. Mike was known for his integrity, strong work ethic, and ability to build lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike. He retired from Exxon in 1999.

Mike and Gloria raised three sons, Michael, Kevin, and Todd. Whether teaching his boys to water ski, enjoying family vacations in Destin, playing golf, tending his yard, or serving in church, Mike found his greatest joy in spending time with those he loved.

A man of deep Christian faith, Mike trusted the Lord through every season of his life. His family found comfort in knowing that his steps were guided by God, and his life reflected the values of humility, perseverance, generosity, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

In 2022, following complications after a fall and COVID-19, Mike was diagnosed with dementia. He faced the challenges of his illness with courage and dignity, surrounded by the steadfast love of his family.

Mike will be remembered as a man who loved God, cherished his family, served his country with honor, and lived a life marked by kindness, hard work, and quiet strength. His legacy lives on through the family he adored and the countless lives he touched.

"The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure." These words, which Mike admired, reflected the way he lived his life—with determination, grace, and faith. He truly lived the American dream and gave all glory to God.

His memory will forever be treasured by his beloved wife, Gloria Ross; his children, Michael Allan Ross (Frankie), Kevin Bryan Ross (Alicia), and Todd Patrick Ross; his grandchildren, Allan Ross, Taylor Perry (Dallas), Jacob Ross, Will Ross, and Andrew Ross; and his great granddaughter, Katherine Perry; as well as a number of extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Afterward, Mike will be laid to rest in in a Graveside Service on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. CST at Dothan City Cemetery in Dothan, Alabama.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given to Ingleside Baptist Church or a charity of your choice in memory of Mike.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.