Gross, William Lloyd, Sr. (Age 87) of Newburg, Maryland.

William Lloyd Gross, Sr., the oldest child of the late Albert Gross and the late Lottie Mary (Merrick) Cooper was born on April 22, 1921 in Popes Creek, Maryland. After 87 years of wisdom, the Lord called William home to eternal rest on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at the Department of Veteran Affairs, Medical Center, Washington, D.C.

William resided in Charles County all of his life. He was an active member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Issue, Maryland until his health began to decline. William attended a local Charles County School at an early age. However, most of his education and skills were self taught or acquired as he learned to perform various jobs while working for: Maryland State Highway Administration, United Engineers and Construction, Inc., and PEPCO. In addition, William was a member of the Construction and General Laborers' Local Union No. 657.

In December 1942, William enlisted in the United States Army at Fort George E. Meade, Maryland. William served in World War II. He was awarded a World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, and a European African Middle Eastern Ribbon. William was honorably discharged in March 1946. After returning from the war, William worked at several energy and construction companies until his retirement in the late 1970's. Not only did William secure work for himself, he was instrumental in securing jobs and transporting many of the young men in Newburg.

In May 1948, William was united in marriage to the late Nellie Eleanor Hill. In this union, he raised and cared for his two stepsons, Matt and Jerry (Gene); both have preceded him in death. In 1955, William was blessed with daughter, Barbara Jean Cooper. Later in life, William met Mary Gertrude (Smothers) Hanna and was blessed with three more children: William L. Gross, Jr. (Bug), Judy A. Gross and James D. Gross (Big Man). Family was very important to William.

First in William's life was his love for his children. This was evident not only by what he said, but what he did for his children and how he raised them. Anytime his children needed him, he was there-no matter what. William always wanted everyone to "get along" and love each other.

William was well known as a kind, generous individual who was always willing to lend a helping hand. All who knew William knew his love was unconditional. Many times William would put off doing for himself to help others, without hesitation. William truly enjoyed his birthday parties held at his residence. The entire Newburg community, family and friends came to celebrate with him.

William hobbies included fishing, cooking, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed watching television; especially baseball, wrestling and TV court shows. William had a big sense of humor; he loved to make jokes that caused others to laugh. He also took pleasure in maintaining his lawn and gardens; he enjoyed sitting outside on his favorite bench reminiscing and brushing his dog, Smokey. William had a daily routine of driving to the local store where he would park and sit in his truck for hours watching patrons and eating cheese puffs. The owners of Goldsmith's store were fond of William; they even designated a special parking space with his initials painted on the pavement for him.

William was a devoted father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

Left to cherish his memories are his children, Barbara J. Cooper, William L. Gross, Jr., Judy A. Gross, and James D. Gross; son-in-law, Earl Cooper; daughter-in-law, Diana Gross; grandchildren, Melinda and Sheila Cooper and Trinity Gross; two great grandchildren; brothers, Vick Johnson, Theodore Cooper, Walter and Harry Gross; sisters, Doris Hemsley, Inez (Sugg) Cooper, Mary and Gloria Gross; aunt, Annie Smothers; godchildren, Eloise Hilton, Sharon Hemsley, Selena Wells-Prout and Samuel (D. J.) Posey; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Viewing, Thursday, February 12, 2009, 11:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial, 12 noon at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 15848 Rock Point Road, Issue, Maryland. Interment, Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, Maryland.

Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A. Pomonkey, Maryland.