Perry James Gross was born on January 11, 1950, to Jakie and Mary Ann Gross in Huron, SD.  He was raised in Mt. Olivet Mennonite Church, directing the singing on Sunday nights and performing solos and in ensembles. He lived on a farm until he was 15 years old, at which time they moved to town.  He attended and graduated from James Valley High School in 1968, where he was valedictorian.  He graduated from Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD, with a Bachelor of Science and Education degree in 1972, after which he obtained his Master of Education degree from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL in 1980.  He taught math and business for 10 years after which he worked as an insurance underwriter for 33 years.  In 1975 he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Beth) Carnett, in Jacksonville, FL, asking her to marry him in November 1977.  They were married in Jacksonville, FL, on June 17, 1978.  They had two boys, Peter Jacob Gross born on June 30, 1982, and Timothy James Gross born April 25, 1985, in Jacksonville, FL.

Perry loved the Lord, his family, gospel music (always singing in the choir), and teaching the word of God.  Perry lived out his faith daily based on the conviction of his life verse:

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."  Ephesians 2:8-10

He served faithfully as a deacon for 42 years, heading up the personnel committee, serving on the transition team, as well as being involved in other ministry opportunities.  He was a generous man, faithfully giving not only to the church but regularly to various charities and needs that arose in the community.  He loved to coach his boys' teams in basketball, softball, and baseball, always supporting his boys and grandkids in all their activities.  He enjoyed gospel concerts and quartets, watching the Braves play, movies with his wife and grandkids and going out to eat with friends and family.  He loved that when he was out small children everywhere would whisper and giggle because they thought he was Santa.

Perry always had a smile and hug for those around him and was an even tempered, sweet, gentle, and godly man. His family remarks that they could not have asked for a better husband, father, or grandfather, and though he will be missed every day they know he is already with the Lord and will continue to live on in the hearts of those who love him.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years Elizabeth (Beth) Gross, son Peter Gross and his wife Ashley and son Timothy (TJ) Gross and his wife Bri, and 6 grandchildren: SaraBeth (15), Bella (14), Christopher (13), Katelyn (13), Shelby (12), and Jameson (6), his sister Colleen (Carl) Aguirre of Brighton, CO, and brother Ken (Brenda) Gross of Bakersfield, CA, as well as multiple aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, several aunts, uncles, a niece, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Gideons, Samaritan's Purse, or Campus Crusade for Christ.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday July 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at Church on Main (First Baptist Church Snellville). Mr Gross will lie in state at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service.  The family will receive friends on Friday July 12, 2024 at Byrd & Flanigan Funeral Service from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm