Guy Alan Ross died on Monday, July 15, 2024 at his home in Olde Towne Portsmouth. Born in Norfolk on May 6, 1951 and raised in Portsmouth, Guy was a graduate of Cradock High School. He earned a B.A. from the University of Richmond in 1973 and an M.A. from Georgetown University in 1976. Guy is survived by his mother Betty C. Storms (David), his sister Gale A. Ross, step siblings John Klise, Sue K. Elmer, Carolyn K. Parker, Janice Klise, cousins Alison Sharrett and Michael Buchman, and 5 nieces and 3 nephews.

Guy began his career as a speech writer at the AFL-CIO in Washington, DC. He later served as a public affairs officer at the National Association of Home Builders. In 1982, he formed his own marketing agency, Marketing Diagnostics LLC, serving mostly real estate, banking and automotive clients in the mid- Atlantic. Guy was an original partner in Waterford Farm LP of Middleburg, VA where he managed and marketed a native Angus genetics operation. Initially a seasonal resident of Key West before moving to the island year-round, Guy served as the Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild and later as the sales manager with the Florida Keys Tourist Development Council. Guy served on the Boards of Directors of the Piedmont Environmental Council, Conserve Virginia, the Maritime Museum in Key West, Florida. the Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk, the Olde Towne (Portsmouth) Business Association and the Cradock Community Development Corporation. Guy was elected to the Board of Trustees at his undergrad alma mater, the University of Richmond, in 2003 and awarded Emeritus status in 2011. He established the Guy A. Ross Scholarship to support the visual and performing arts at Richmond. Guy served on the vestry at Trinity Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, and in 2010 Guy was ordained at Riverside Church in New York City in interfaith chaplaincy and counseling.

Guy traveled extensively throughout his life for both business and pleasure. As a child he lived in Japan where his family was stationed for several years. Washington, D.C. was his home for 20 years during and after his graduate work. He owned farms in Rappahannock County and Fauquier County, Virginia where he was an active member of the Virginia Angus Association. Later Guy lived in Amagansett and Sag Harbor, New York where he renovated two notable residences. He spent considerable time in both Italy and Cuba—two destinations about which he was most knowledgeable and passionate.

A service will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, VA at 3:00 PM with The Rev. Grant Stokes and The Rev. Douglas McCaleb officiating and with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. A private service of inurnment will be held at a later date at the University of Richmond Chapel Columbarium. The family invites donations of any amount to the Guy A. Ross Scholarship at the University of Richmond, Maryland Hall, 110 UR Drive, University of Richmond, Virginia 23173. Arrangements are in the care of Parr Funeral Home and Crematory, Suffolk, Virginia. Online condolences can be registered www.parrfuneralhome.com.