Pastor Neil Canfield Ross, 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on February 24, 2023.

Neil was born on a rural farm in Wakeman, Ohio on October 20, 1936 to Kenneth and Marguerite Ross. Several years later, and with a lot of life experiences tucked under his belt, that farm boy from Ohio would find himself in Georgia attending high school at Toccoa Falls College. It was there that he met and began courting the love of his life, Jane T. Tholl. After high school, the two left for the big city of Chicago where they attended Moody Bible Institute. The pair were married after graduation on August 2, 1958. Their marriage stood the test of time, and never ceased to be an embodiment of the vows they took. In their 64 years together, they were lucky enough to have four beautiful children; a son Timothy; three daughters, Cheryl, Theresa, and Debbie; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

Neil moved to Newport News in 1965 and within a year founded Community Bible Church. Retiring at 83, he devoted over 50 years of his life to his ministry, one that went far beyond the pulpit. Neil was a lover of people. His mild manner, kind heart, humility, and love for God's Word was magnetic. He used those skills all over the world doing missionary work on five continents. He and his wife spent a year teaching in Harvesters Bible College in South Africa and when they left, they left a piece of their heart there. That experience forever changed how they saw the world and continued their passion of loving others.

Neil was a scholar, a lifelong learner, a collector of degrees, including a master's from Liberty University, and it was not uncommon to find his nose in a book. He was a man who practiced what he preached and preached what he practiced. Hebrews 12:1 says it best: "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us". He ran the race and finished well.

A viewing will be held at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from 6:00-7:00 PM.

Burial will be private.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Community Bible Church, Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 2:00 PM.