Mount Zion UMC pastor conducts funeral at Arlington National Cemetery

    Command Sergeant Major Harry R. Ross of Lithonia was buried January 31 in Arlington National Cemetery, with full military honors.  He attended Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Ellenwood until his death in September.

     Rev. Claire Yoder, minister of Mount Zion UMC, conducted the memorial service in the Arlington Memorial Chapel and a committal service at the columbarium.  A horse-drawn caisson carried the remains to the columbarium, and full military honors followed.  These honors included a full band, rifle detail, honor guard, Taps, flag folding, and presentation of the flag to his wife, Betty.  Interment followed at the columbarium, with Rev. Yoder closing with committal.

     Ross served in the United States Army for 26 years, obtaining the rank of Command Sergeant Major.  He served two tours in both Korea and Vietnam.  After his retirement in1979, he worked for Georgia Tech until 1996 and did part-time work for the Atlanta Braves for more than 15 years.

      The ceremony was attended by more than 40 friends and family members from several states, including his wife Betty, sons Daniel and Mark, Mark's wife Susan, granddaughter  Emerson, and two friends from Mount Zion UMC.