[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 7580] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING RALPH ROSS ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY ______ HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR. of tennessee in the house of representatives Thursday, May 6, 2010 Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, Ralph Ross of Knoxville, Tennessee turned 100 years old on May 3, 2010. I cannot think of a finer father, Christian, or community leader. Ralph has had an amazing, blessed life. But despite his personal business success, he remains a humble Christian who devotes his resources, time, and heart to others. Like many of Ralph's generation, he entered into the military during World War II after completing dental school and served admirably as the head of the dental corps at Camp Blanding, Florida. While safeguarding the health of his fellow soldiers during the war, Ralph met the love of his life. Frances was the head of the nurse's corps at Camp Blanding, and that chance encounter would result in a 63- year marriage, two children, and four grandchildren. Ralph served full time from April 1, 1941, to May 9, 1946. Even after the war, he continued his commitment to the United States, serving in the Reserves through the 1960s and retiring a Lieutenant Colonel. Following his military service, Ralph got into the construction business. It takes a lot of hard work, determination, and a bit of luck to get a successful business off the ground. Ralph did it twice. After getting much of the contract work for construction at Oak Ridge, a subcontractor ran off with most of his supplies and pay for the work. He was left with a shovel, a bulldozer, and no money. Never one for self-pity, he started from scratch again by joining his brother in the coal business. And once again, he built a very successful business, selling it in 1982. Ralph is a shining example of how to live a Christian life. Blessed with security on this Earth, he has never stopped giving to those who are not as fortunate. From serving as President of the North Side Kiwanis Club in Knoxville, to his activities with Campus Crusade for Christ, YOLK Youth Ministries, Young Life, and Shriners International, Ralph spends his time helping others, especially youth. He is also a generous benefactor to the University of Tennessee. I graduated from high school with Ralph's son Roger and used to frequently play basketball at his house. I have known Roger Ross almost his entire life. He describes a bulletin board in their home filled with images of his father's generosity. ``You name it, he was in it,'' Roger says. ``Being a Christian was Daddy's life.'' As a member of First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, and then later Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, Ralph served as elder and deacon. He is a very outgoing individual and meeting other people is his favorite thing. ``He always told me not to lie, and he never said a harsh word about anybody. And he would always help people,'' Roger says. ``You ask him for help, or came and asked him for money, and he would give it to you.'' Ralph lives by the creed that you always help those in need, even if some folks may try to take advantage of you. ``That's life,'' he always says. ``It doesn't mean you stop helping people.'' Madam Speaker, Ralph Ross, through his faith in God, continues to live an honorable life. I call his devotion to others to the attention of my colleagues and other readers of the Record and wish him a very happy 100th birthday. Roger Ross says of his father, ``He just has people everywhere that love him.'' I think there is no better definition than that of a good life. ____________________