John Howard Gross Ii

John Howard Gross II - August 27, 1945 – August 30, 2021

An Avon Park, FL resident for over 50 years, born to the late Dr. John H. Gross and Gertrude Musselwhite Gross, John passed away August 30th.

He married Cindy Metcalfe in October of 1967. He was blessed with three children, Ashley Gross Millinor (Ashley) of Spartanburg, SC, Tiffany Gross Thomas (Bob) of Logan, UT, and John Robert Gross (Han) of Lakeland, FL. He was Papa to Charlie and David Millinor, and Sam Thomas.

John spent his early years in Lakeland, FL before moving to Cocoa Beach, FL. His mechanical aptitude and strong work ethic was apparent at an early age.  As a high school student, he constructed backyard docks on riverfront homes in Cocoa Beach. He graduated from the University of South Florida where he majored in Industrial Management. John was then commissioned as Supply Corp Officer in the United States Navy working with a submarine squadron in Key West, Florida. After serving his country, he settled in Avon Park with his wife Cindy where they raised a family and John built his career.

John’s professional work included: directing Highlands County’s first computerized bank processing center, founding co-owner of a commercial citrus plant nursery, managing a fresh fruit citrus packaging facility, logistics business consultant, and real estate.

John found much peace in the beautiful views of the lake from the porch he designed and built for his family. From Sunday picnics in their cattle pasture to waterfall hikes in Highlands, NC, to family campouts to lake days driving the boat, John created magical memories for his three children.  Although John was a very private person, those he was closest to admired his methodical and innovative ideas.

Along with his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by a sister, Mary Ellen Bing of Ormond Beach, FL and a brother, George P. Gross of Jensen Beach, FL.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Highlands County, PO Box 833, Sebring, FL 33871 or online http://humanesocietyofhighlandscounty.com/donation.html .