Parran Napoleon Gross was born on September 3, 1923 in Calvert County, Maryland. Parran was known to family and friends as "Poley". He was one of eight children born to the union of Major James and Emma S.E. Gross. Parran completed his earthly life on August 20, 2013 at Solomons Nursing Center.

Parran was a lifelong resident of Calvert County where he attended the public schools. He joined Eastern U.M. Church at an early age. He was very involved with his church. His passion was singing. He was a member of Eastern's Methodist Mens' Choir and a Lay Speaker. Parran was often asked to be MC for many churches, for many programs.

Parran was in the military for a short period of time, where he proudly served his country. At the end of his service he was honorably discharged. In 1950, Parran and Barbara Brooks were joined in marriage; to this union was born three children: Parran Jr., Delithia, and Reginald.

Over the years, Parran worked at Patuxent Naval Air Station where he did maintenance work. He also drove the ferry from Solomons Island to Patuxent Naval Air Station. Parran continued working for the U.S. government for 25 years. He also worked at the ship yard in Drum Point, Maryland.

Parran was a member of the American Legion Post #220 as well as the Eureka Lodge P.H.A.. His pastimes included singing, fishing, and helping others. He took special care in tending to his parents needs throughout their time of sickness.

Parran and Barbara divorced after many years of marriage. After some time had passed Parran later married Mary Garner, whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Major and Emma Gross; wife, Mary Gross; brothers, Johnson and Major; sisters, Ella Mae Cooke, Evelyn Gross, Delithia Gross, and Jeannette Howe Robinson; one daughter, Doris Watkins Williams; and one son-in-law, Joseph Harris.

He leaves to mourn: one brother, Irvin Gross; two sons, Parran (Beatriz) and Reginald (Tanya); two daughters, Delithia and Towanda (Robert); three step-daughters, Eliza Foote (William), Mary Ellen Weems (Sammy), and Doris Payne (Johnny); three sisters-in-law, Florence E. Gross, Sarah Gross, and Daisy Gross; a special friend, Zelma (Cookie) Briggs; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home.