On February 19, 1940, Fred and Mary Alice Gross celebrated the birth of a beautiful, baby boy in the Sanders Chapel community of Muskogee, Oklahoma. They named him Earlie Lee Gross.



Better known as Earl, he confessed a hope in Jesus Christ at an early age and became a member at Sanders Chapel. Later in life, he became a member of Saint Mark Baptist Church.



Earl grew up in Muskogee, where he graduated from Historic Manual Training High School with the Class of 1959. He met a young woman, Cecil Marie Wilson and fell in love. They became husband and wife on December 4, 1964. Earl provided for his family through his labor at Kimbro's Service Station during that time. He also served as a Barber to many for over 40 years. He worked for H. B. Egans for many years and later for Camel Tire Company.



Affectionately referred to as " P.C.B." which was for "Po' Collored Boy", Earl was a great friend and comrade to all he came into contact to. The camaraderie that was shared at his shop was one of a kind. There were many topics, stories and probably a few lies told on a regular basis, always in fun and fellowship.



Mr. Gross was a great son, brother, husband , father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. In 2002, he met and married Joyce Sanders. This marriage was dissolved in 2005.



After 73 years of life, Earlie Lee Gross was "beaconed by the Master" on Monday evening, February 3, 2014 from Muskogee. He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Cecil Marie Gross; his parents, his siblings, Elizabeth, Mildred and Orlean, his son Stanley Jerome Gross, and a grandson, Antonio Gross.



He leaves to carry on his legacy; his children, Dennis Michael Gross and Carolyn Lynette Gross, of Muskogee, and Victor Ray Gross, of Texas; his brother, Phint Gross, Muskogee; his grandchildren, Kimisha LaDon, Brandy Dionne, Rhondrea Lynette, Dennis Michael, Jr., and Ashley Renae [Maurice] Portis; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; his good friends, Joseph Baker, of Arizona and Arthur "Gravy" Hill, of Muskogee; and a caravan of other relatives and friends.

The Hour of Remembrance for Mr. Gross will be on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. in the Saint Mark Baptist Church. Reverend Rodger L. B. Cutler, Pastor will Officiate and Reverend David Ragsdale, Jr., will deliver the Eulogy.

Burial will follow in the Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee.

You may visit Mr. Gross, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the funeral home on Friday from 4 PM until 7 PM.