Clifford Delbert "Cliff" Gross Jr.

Clifford Delbert “Cliff” Gross Jr., 79, of Owensboro, passed away Monday September 2, 2024, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital with his beloved wife Judee by his side. He was born November 18, 1944, in Kent City, MI, to the late Clifford Sr. and Ardith Fredericks Gross.

He enjoyed sharing stories about his years growing up in Michigan and the mischief he and his buddies got into. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served from December 1961 until December 1964. Cliff was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, making 26 jumps and 2 combat jumps. Cliff was a Helicopter Flying Crew Chief on a gun and rocket helicopter. He achieved a rank of E5 Sergeant. Cliff was very proud of serving his country during Vietnam.

After leaving the Army, Cliff went to trade school to learn the trade of Tool and Die Making. He went on to serve an 8-year OJT program at General Electric. Cliff worked and retired from GE after many years and it was there he met and fell in love with his wife, Judee. They were married on November 4, 1994.

He was a member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees and other duties throughout his active years there.

Cliff enjoyed watching UK basketball, Formula 1 and NASCAR racing. If you knew Cliff, you would know what an upbeat person he was with a wonderful attitude (even through all the many health issues he faced over the many years). Everyone knew when Cliff was around as he had a very distinct deep voice. He was jokingly made an honorary member of the choir at his church (if you know, you know)!

Along with his parents, he is also preceded in death by a sister, Judith Gotwalt; and a grandson, Justin Gross.

Cliff is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Judee Williams Gross of Owensboro; his children and stepchildren, Rodney (Kim) Gross of Hawesville, Donna (John) Tharp of Rockport, IN, Jeff Gross of Rockport, IN, Debbie (Steve) Scheller of Evansville, Rhonda Midkiff (September) Tucker of Owensboro, and Nikki (Rick) Fulkerson of Utica; grandchildren, Megan (Zach) Gaynor, Trevor (Kayla) Tharp, Amber Tharp, Abigail Gross, Mason Gross, Joe and Jacob Scheller, Corey Midkiff, Cody Midkiff, Cameron Midkiff, Kyana (DeShaun) Hagan, Kygun Fulkerson, and Kyndal Fulkerson; siblings, Ron (Sharon) Gross of White Pine, MI and Sharon Benoit of Mesa, AZ; several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

The family of Clifford D. Gross Jr. would like to thank the countless healthcare and VA workers that have helped him throughout the years and the service and kindness shown up until his passing.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to KY United Methodist Children’s Home, Mary Kendall Campus 193 Phillips Court Owensboro, KY 42303.

Memories and condolences for the family of Cliff Gross may be left at www.glenncares.com.