William Ronald "Ron" Ross

William Ronald “Ron” Ross, 78, entered his Heavenly home on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. He was born on March 5, 1948, in Moultrie, Georgia, to the late William “Bill” Ross and Hazel Hatcher Ross. Pastor Ron Ross lived a life marked by unwavering faith and a deep commitment to serving others. To know Ron was to know a man whose heart belonged fully to Jesus Christ. His calling to ministry shaped every chapter of his life, and his love for people reflected the love of the Savior he faithfully followed. Ron graduated from Mitchell County High School before continuing his education at Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, Georgia, and Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. He later earned his Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Ron met the love of his life, Mary Alice Hunter, and the two were married in 1986. From that day forward, Ron embraced her children—Melvin, Michele and Melanie—as his own, loving them with the same devotion and pride he carried for every part of his family. Throughout his ministry, Ron pastored several churches across Georgia, including Midway Baptist Church in Meigs, Miles Chapel Baptist Church, Red Oak Baptist Church in Baxley, and Bull Creek Baptist Church in Claxton. He also served as interim pastor for multiple congregations. Most recently, he served as Associate Pastor at Midway Baptist Church in Baxley, where he continued to pour into the lives of others with humility and joy. Ron’s ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. His compassion was boundless, and he lived out his faith through action. He served tirelessly in disaster relief efforts, working with organizations such as Georgia Disaster Relief to bring aid and hope to those affected by tragedies, including Hurricane Katrina. His generosity, kindness, and servant’s heart touched countless lives. Even in illness, Ron’s faith never wavered. Sharing the Gospel was not something he did—it was who he was. His life was a testimony of what it means to walk closely with God, to love others deeply, and to serve without hesitation. Ron was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He cherished his family and found great joy in every moment spent with them. His legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to shape the generations who follow him. Though he will be deeply missed, his family and all who knew him take comfort in knowing he has heard the words he longed for: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Ron is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mary Alice Ross; his children Derrol Melvin Hutcheson Jr. (Billy Wooten) of Savannah, GA, April Michele Hutcheson Carter (Marcia Long) of Savannah, GA, and Melanie Carol Hutcheson Carter (Shaun Carter) of Baxley, GA; his grandchildren Brandon Carter (Anabel) of Cologne, Germany, Kaley Paulk (Jeremiah), Kadance Carter, and Avery Carter, and his great granddaughter Ella, all of Baxley. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and his beloved dog, ChiChi. Family and friends will be gathering at home of Shaun and Melanie Carter at 164 Tupelo Circle, Baxley. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 26 from 9:30-11:00 at Midway Baptist Church, 174 Midway Church Rd., Baxley, GA. Funeral service will be Thursday March 26th at 11:00, at Midway Baptist Church, with Pastors Benji McReady and Brannon Pate officiating, and his niece, Julie Morris. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Midway Baptist Church Children’s Playground Fund. Payments can be made at the church or by mailing them to Ron Ross Playground Fund 174 Midway Church Rd. Baxley, GA 31513. Nobles Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Ross family. Online condolences may be shared at www.noblesfh.com.

William Ronald "Ron" Ross

March 5, 1948 - March 24, 2026