A reitred Dallas police officer is being remembered as a passionate community volunteer and devoted family man.
Raymond Ross, 73, died on Dec. 6 while riding his beloved motorcycle in a toy run in Mesquite.
Ross' family has many stories to share about the man they call "Papaw." They saidhe was a dedicated police officer for 30 years and a caring volunteer who loved children.
"It makes me very proud and honored to say 'That's my grandfather,'" said Colby Ross.
Ross was participating in the toy run alongside fellow members of the Blue Knights, a law enforcement motorcycle club. His daughter, grandson and son-in-law were also riding a little behind him. It was their first time joining him in a toy run.
"As we were coming down Big Town, and we started to turn to get onto the service road, we saw an accident and a bike layed over," said Ross' daughter, Pam Stephenson. "My son stopped the bike because he's a firefighter, and then my husband said, 'Oh Babe, I think that's Papaw."
Stephenson said she was angry, at first, but was later grateful to be with her father in his last moments.
"I'm thankful I was there, with my son," she said. "My son was with him, he was aware of that at first. There is a reason I feel we were behind him."
Ross had developed a passion for motorcycling in recent years. His daughter said the family didn't know what to think of it at first.
"Then he decided, 'You know, I don't know how much longer I'm going to live and this is what I want, this is what I enjoy," Stephenson said. "The next thing I know, he was on a brand new motorcycle."
Funeral Information for Raymond Ross:
Visitation: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10: Family Cathedral of Praise, Mesquite
Memorial Service: 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11: Family Cathedral of Praise, Mesquite
Graveside Service: 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11: DFW National Cemetary
