People move to the Montgomery County for many reasons. Omar Ross was one who moved to Christiansburg and lived his life to the betterment of schools, the communities and its people. Omar Garland Ross was born in Grayson County, Va., on Nov. 23, 1933. After he graduated from Independence High School, he attended and graduated from Emory and Henry College with a bachelor’s degree in history. From there, he began his 36 ½ years educational career of bus driver, teacher, guidance counselor, principal and superintendent.
Ross started teaching and coaching at Fries High School. He was then encouraged by his friend and fellow Emory and Henry classmate, James “Buddy” Earp, to teach and coach at Christiansburg High School. Ross was assistant to head coach Earp of the CHS football team In 1959 and 1960 before he became the head coach from 1961 to 1965. Ross also coached the boys’ basketball team, the cross-country squad and the track and field teams while teaching history, health and physical education. In the meantime, Ross earned his master’s degree in education administration and guidance from Radford University.
The 1961 Demon Yearbook was dedicated to Ross. It read: “A man who lives before us in a silent manner but has set a wonderful example to all who have been under his leadership or associated with him in any way…To one whose qualities of friendliness, loyalty and sportsmanship have won a place of respect, deep admiration, and warm affection among both students and faculty. With great pride and deep appreciation for his service to us as teacher and friend we dedicate this, the 1961 Demon, to Coach Omar Ross. “
Ross was a true CHS Demon fan and known in the community simply as “Coach.” Daughter Lynn Ross Straub remembers their first family dog was named “Demon.”
Ross became principal of CHS in 1970 and transitioned the move of CHS from College Street to the current Independence Boulevard location in 1974. Ross remained as principal until 1975. Straub remembered her father as the CHS principal during her freshman year at the new location. Straub said, “Everyone, teachers and students, was so lost in this big brand new high school building.”
Ross took time off briefly from teaching and administration to earn his doctorate’s degree in Education Administration and the title of “Doctor Ross” in 1977. Straub typed the first draft of his dissertation.
In 1976, Ross became the principal of Floyd Elementary School. Later, he served as administrative assistant and assistant superintendent before being named as Floyd County School Division superintendent. Ross retired in 1993, leaving behind improved test scores of students, a lowered pupil-teacher ratio, additional vocational courses and upgraded facilities for Floyd’s schools. All the while and from his experience as a teacher, Ross wished that educational staff could have been better paid for their hard work. Even after retirement, Ross volunteered his time with the Floyd County High School football team.
Ross was in the United States Army, serving in Korea from 1954-1956, and in the reserves. He retired as a Colonel in 1993 and served as Commander of American Legion Post 59 of Christiansburg. Earp and he worked to reinvigorate the American Legion membership. According to Straub, this was done with the promise of free food on the grill or cooked by his wife, Brenda, and daughter.
Ross was a Kiwanian and was instrumental in the building of the Kiwanis Park near the Montgomery County Government Center. He is remembered for umpiring baseball games there. He didn’t know anything about soccer, but that didn’t stop him. He bought a copy of “Soccer for Dummies” and then coached with his son-in-law, Charles Straub. Ross’ 6-year-old granddaughter’s team went undefeated.
Ross marched in many of the Christiansburg Veteran’s Day parades and helped local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts post flags for Memorial Day.
Ross and Earp often attended Emory and Henry football games. Sadly, dementia and a broken hop sidelined “Coach.” He passed away on October 5, 2019.
Buddy Shull was a CHS football player from 1962 to 1966 and one of Ross’ students. Ross influenced him to become a teacher and a football coach for Floyd County and Radford City for a combined twenty-five years. Shull even returned to CHS as an assistant principal. Shull said, “Ross was an excellent person in the community. He was a first class individual. I still use many of his Army quotes that he used to inspire the football team. He was just a nice person but he would get on you if you needed correcting.”
Jim Earp was a student under Principal Ross and is the son of Buddy Earp. Earp said, “Besides being a wonderful family friend, I remember Mr. Ross as being very smart and helpful. He was someone with the ability to get things done. He will be remembered as a man who made a positive difference in the lives of many students.”
A celebration of Ross’ life was held Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019 at St. Paul United Methodist Church where he was a faithful member, Sunday School teacher and leader. In lieu of flowers, ongoing gifts may be made to Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program or St. Paul United Methodist Church.
