Davy "Dave" Odis Gross
Dec 6, 1945 - Oct 5th, 2021- Birth Date: Dec 6, 1945
- Death Date: Oct 5, 2021
- Funeral Date: Unknown
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Biography: Davy “Dave” Odis Gross, of Little Rock, passed away on October 5, 2021 of COVID. He was born to the late Marvin O. and Rose Katherine Tully Gross on December 6, 1945. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Mary Bea Thomas Gross. He is also survived by his children Wes Gross (Shelly), James Thomas Gross (Ellie) and Mary Kathryn Gross; and by his granddaughter Lacey Gross whom loving knew him as Papaw.
Dave was raised in the country in central Arkansas and grew up hunting and fishing with his father. He was the apple of his mother’s eye, and was an only child with many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was a proud graduate of Mabelvale High School, class of 1963. Played football and basketball, but his true love was baseball. He played on the inaugural team at Little Rock University (UA, Little Rock).
He was a tried-and-true Arkansas Razorback fan and loved going to Oaklawn during the race meet. Long time and very active member of the Little Rock Ski Club. Dave remained a dedicated member of the Crooked Creek Duck Club and loved Labor Day dove hunting with friends. Deep see fishing trips to the Gulf years ago were an annual highlight. Dave had a score of dogs who worshipped him.
A self-made-man, Dave founded Insulation Contracting Consulting, Inc. in 1991, where his son Wes and many of his men have worked with him for decades--he leaves behind a loyal base of customers and colleagues.
Lover of all things that took him outdoors, including canoeing the Buffalo River, hiking through the parks of the natural state, and staying in state park cabins. Countless days were spent on Greers Ferry Lake, camping and boating. He knew how to pull kids on the tube with the best of them. He became an avid trout fisherman in recent years at the family cabin on the Little Red River. All vacations took Dave, Mary Bea, and the family outdoors in some way.
Dave was everyone’s favorite neighbor to see at the grocery store or walking the dogs down at the river. He coached every sport each of his three children played and was Coach Dave, Coach Gross and Mr. Dave to a host of young people and dozens of Boy Scouts.
The most loving and fun father who knew the best way to fix any toy or tell any perfect joke. He knew every song, band, and movie from certain eras, and loved to dance. A loved husband who made life fun, full of laughs, and an ongoing adventure. No one gave hugs like he did.
In addition to his family, cousins, and friends, Dave leaves behind three special young ladies who meant the world to him: Emma O’Donnell, Eliza (Little Bit) Penick, and Rachael Railey.
Memorials may be made to Quapaw Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Ducks Unlimited and the Arkansas Razorback Foundation. Due to Covid, no service is planned at this time. On-line guest book at RuebelFuneralHome.com
Dave was one of my favorite friends; always a smile on his face and a true interest in how you had been. This world was a better place with him in it. He will be missed by far more than those who happened to see the obit. I too had both COVID vaccines, luckier than I realized to not have complicating health factors. I no longer ski but will say a toast to a great guy the next time I’m out west.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Please know my heart goes out to you and I hope your wonderful memories of him will help see you through this time. Hugs to all.
My prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
The staff of Richards Honda Yamaha