Ross E dward Melton passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at the age of 88. Ross was born August 27, 1934, in Woodbury, Kentucky to Marvin Ross and Opal (Jamison) Melton .  After high school graduation, he served in the United States Air Force and began his education journey leading to a pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky. He and his wife, Ruth, then made their home in Mount Sterling , opening Ross Drugs in 1963. He later opened Ross Surgical Supply and Gateway Home Health before retiring. During his career, he also stayed closely connected to his hometown community serving as a Director of Morgantown Bank and Trust for 25 years.

In his spare time, R oss was a true entrepreneur and adventure r. He was a self-taught boat captain, a heavy equipment operator and coal miner, a cattle farmer, and a pilot with a twin engine plane named Fat Albert . However, t hose who knew him well would tell you that he was the original outlaw country music lover.  He had a great sense of humor, loved to dance and was always up for a travel adventure. What a man!

Ross was an adoring father and grandfather and is survived by his precious daughter, Schoen Melton McCormick (Tom) of Mount Sterling, Kentucky; two grandchildren, Graham and Alexa, both of Lexington, Kentucky; sister, Michael Melton Wirth (Joe) of Ashland, Oregon; niece, Stacy Melton Pell (Curtis) of Bend, Oregon; and partner, friend and companion, Barbara Lyons of Mount Sterling, Kentucky.

Visitation will be held at Taul Funeral Home in Mount Sterling on October 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m, inurnment will follow at Machpelah Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Sugar Grove Christian Church in lieu of flowers.