Joe P. Ross, 80, who served as an interim superintendent of Fort Worth Independent School District, died at his home in Fort Worth on Oct. 15, 2016.
A graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m., Oct. 28, at the Grandview Cemetery in Grandview, and a memorial service will be at 3 p.m. at Arborlawn United Methodist Church in Fort Worth.
Ross obtained his master’s degree from Abilene Christian University and served Fort Worth ISD as a teacher and administrator for 36 years. In 1968, he became a history teacher at William James Middle School. He eventually was named assistant superintendent for employee, government and community relation in 1983. He retired from the district in 1997 but he continued to serve Fort Worth ISD as legislative liaison to the Texas Legislature.
After retirement, at age 67, Ross was asked to return to service as a transitional superintendent in July 2004 until July 2005, when Melody Johnson assumed the duties.
Ross was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Fowler Ross. Survivors include daughter Sarah Jane Ross Fettinger of Fort Worth, son Robert Pitts Ross II of Fort Worth and four grandchildren.