Steven Wayne Ross

Steven Wayne Ross, 68, farmer, devoted husband and father, died unexpectedly at his Crabtree home Sunday afternoon, Nov. 9, 2025.

A native of Haywood County, he was born in the “old hospital” in Waynesville Sept. 22, 1957, where his mother, distressed at his small size, was reassured by a nurse who told her, “that’s all right; you birth them small and raise them big.” It was, in fact, a philosophy Steve would follow with breeding cattle in his lifelong love of farming.

Steve was meant to be a farmer from his earliest days. Around age 7 while driving a tractor, he was stopped by a law enforcement officer for failing to come to a complete stop at an intersection. His excuse: he wasn’t old enough to read the stop sign. By the time he was a senior in high school, he was growing his own tobacco crops and had his own cattle herd. He also grew vegetables, particularly tomatoes. He was a member of the Haywood County Cattlemen’s Association, where he served as a director, and a member of the Western North Carolina Beef Commission. He was also active in the regional tomato growers’ association, and in 1989 was named the Outstanding Young Burley Tobacco Farmer for North Carolina by Philip Morris USA.

He was the son of the late Charles and Louise Palmer Ross and was also predeceased by his brother, Jerry Ross, who died of Covid in 2021. Steve was a proud descendant of Cataloochee settlers.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Kathy Nanney Ross, to whom he literally never spoke a harsh word, and by three sons: Justin Ross of the home; Daniel Ross (and Hanna Messer) of Jonathan Creek; and Luke Ross of the home. His wife and sons were the joys of his life, and he took pride in their individuality and personal accomplishments. He is also survived by a nephew, Rusty Ross, who was like another son to him, and another five nephews: Kyle, Brett, Joshua, David and Isaac Nanney as well as a niece, Elisa Nanney. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Joan Ross of Crabtree, and his brother- and sister-in-law, Stuart and Tara Nanney of Kingsport, Tenn. and his mother-in-law, Yvonne Nanney.

Before his entrance Sunday into God’s presence and the “Church Triumphant,” he was a faithful member of Crabtree United Methodist Church where he served in a number of roles but was especially known for his peach cobbler, cooked over coals in cast-iron. His love of Jesus was reflected in a life of consistent kindness and willingness to help others.

The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Crabtree United Methodist Church with the Revs. David Reeves and DeVere Williams officiating. Pallbearers will be Justin, Daniel, Luke and Rusty Ross, Samuel Moore, Stuart Nanney, Brett and Kyle Nanney.

The family wishes to thank Haywood County’s emergency responders, who worked valiantly to keep Steve with us, and the farming community for its offers of help during this time.

Memorials may be made to Crabtree United Methodist Church, 5405 Crabtree Road, Clyde NC 28721 or the Haywood County Cattlemen’s Association scholarship fund c/o Danny Hyatt, 206 Ratcliffe Cove Road, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Mr. Ross has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville