Willard Gross

Willard Donald Gross, 86, loving husband of Frances Goins Gross for 55 years, passed away at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Ohio on Sunday, Jan. 26. He was a native of Harlan County, born March 10, 1928, to the late Caleb Powers and Bonnie Hensley Gross.

Don spent time during his youth in a family business, The Bell County Country Club. He joined the Merchant Marines as a young man and later joined the Air Force during WWII. Later he became owner of Kentucky TV and was one of the first to have a picture tube plant in Kentucky. He also Was co-owner of the Don & Gene Club on Richmond Road from 1948 to 1952, and owner of Kentucky Cottage Liquor Dispensary. He attended the University of Kentucky, where he played football, as well as Centre College, and Transylvania University.

In addition to his wife he leaves to cherish his memory sons C. P. Gross II, wife Kelly, Willard Donald “ Donnie” Gross II, Mark Gross, and Ronald Grant Gross, daughter Jane Gross, and sister Lillian Feghali. He was preceded in death by sons William Wallace and Joel Gross, and brother Gene Gross. He will be laid to rest in Camp Nelson National Cemetery.

Hager & Cundiff Funeral Home was chosen by the family for cremation arrangements. Guestbook www.hagerandcundifffunerals.com . Obituary Courtesy of Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home, Harlan, KY www.aljfh.com .