Everett Earl Ross, Jr. “Todd”
Everett Earl Ross, Jr. “Todd” died peacefully at home on September 29,2026. He was born May 23, 1944, to Emily and Everett Ross, Sr. in Hattiesburg, MS. He lived in the Jacksonville, FL area almost all his life.
Todd graduated from Terry Parker High School and attended Daytona Beach Jr. College and Jacksonville University, where he met the love of his life, Lynn Cronise. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1965 and served until 1971. Todd also attended Florida Jr. College at Jacksonville and graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in Business Administration.
For 36 years, Todd was employed by Irvington-Moore Co. (US Natural Resources) in various positions; shop worker, draftsman, product manager, and sales manager. In 2001, he founded Phoenix Manufacturing Services, retiring in 2023. He was highly respected in the wood drying industry.
Todd had a special gift for and a calling to youth ministry and missions. He loved being with young people his entire life. He was on a puppet ministry team, volunteered in children’s church, youth groups, local youth missions, and was a Sunday school teacher. For many years, Todd was the Episcopal diocesan lay director for Happening, a teenage youth renewal weekend. He also organized a team from FL to assist in restarting Happening in Texas. With a passion for missions, Todd traveled with others to Honduras and, for many years, he led teams to serve at Potter’s House, Guatemala. On many trips, he served with his wife and grandchildren. In addition, he led many Alpha groups and hosted small groups in his home for years.
Growing up near the St. Johns River, Todd rode his horse on the bank, fished, swam, went exploring in his boat, and played in the nearby woods. Throughout his life, he enjoyed all things related to water, especially fishing and going to the ocean. As an adult, he was an avid runner. He ran the Jacksonville River Run, Jacksonville Beaches Run, half marathons, and marathons. During his lunch hour when working downtown, he ran the Jacksonville bridges with a group of running friends. He loved being outdoors, playing bridge and cheering for FSU. Todd was a devoted husband and father who loved his wife and family. Most of all, he valued time spent with them.
Todd is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lynn; daughters, Stephanie Sawicki (Chad), Lisa Mills (David), and Suzanne Williams (Ward); grandchildren, Camden, Abigail (Kyle), Annie Kate (Jacob), Clay, Caroline, Tate, Carson, and Sarah Paige; great-granddaughter, Milo, and great-grandson (expected April 2027); brothers, Randy (Susan) and Mickey (Linda); and many other family members. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister, Ginger, and his grandson, Carter.
Todd gave his life to Christ and knew where he would spend eternity. A Celebration of Life service will be at Grace Anglican Church, 5804 Highway 17, Fleming Island, FL on Thursday November 19, 2026, at 2 pm., followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. A private burial will be at Jacksonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Potter’s House Association in memory of Todd. (Checks may be sent to Potter’s House Association, P.O. Box 106 Dept. A, Pewaukee, WI 53072 or by credit card at www.pottershouse.org.gt/donate)