William A. Ross, Jr. was a beloved community leader, industrialist and historian. He was born and raised in Sidney, the son of Sidney businessman William A. Ross, Sr. and his mother Eleanor. He worked in his father’s foundry business a while in school. That business was started in the garage of the family home. After graduating from Sidney High School in 1940, he enrolled in Castle Heights Military Academy Junior College.
The outbreak of World War II caused Bill to enter the United States Army where he served as an infantry officer in the Pacific Theatre.
When he was discharged in 1946, he established his own foundry business at Avon Lake south of Sidney. The foundry businesses of father and son merged in 1959 when Bill formed Ross Aluminum Foundries on Oak Street in Sidney. He continued as president of the company until he retired in 1985 as chairman of the Board. Ross Aluminum grew to become an important local employer where employees were considered ‘family.’ He adopted a company philosophy which reflected his view of the company and employee relationship: “Profits are made by all of us and shared by all of us.”
This simple statement that was stamped on the quarterly dividend checks given to the employees of Ross Aluminum puts into perfect perspective the culture created by Bill Ross.
Part of that success must be attributed to the fact Mr. Ross. was a people person. He cared deeply about the health and welfare of his employees, a trait that showed not only in the profit-sharing but also in the approach he took to being a citizen. That meant being a supporter of all the efforts that would make Sidney a better place to live.
Despite being the president of a nationally known company from 1960 to 1969 and being asked to maintain control as divisional manager after the company was sold to Eagle Picher in 1969, Bill, as most referred to him, never wavered in his interest in Shelby County history and the welfare of the city he loved. He often could be found behind the scenes encouraging other industrial leaders to contribute to or otherwise support community projects.
Mr. Ross was active in many business enterprises and civic activities. He served as a board member of First National Exchange bank, the First Federal Savings and Loan Association and the United Telephone Company. His community efforts ranged from After Prom Committees for Sidney High to the Board of Trustees for Amos Memorial Library and the Citizens Committee for City Government. He was also the longtime chairman of the IUTIS Ice Cream Social. His wife Betty, who also served in World War II, understood the meaning of sacrificial service and supported her husband in all his activities.
He is most remembered for his visionary leadership. It was the suggestion of Mr. Ross that gathered others to rekindle the tradition of the band concerts on the court square in 1977 after many years’ absence. The beautiful covered bridge in Tawawa Park, which now bears his name, was quietly developed by Bill on the condition no one know of his gift. Other gifts to the community included the land on which the Sidney YMCA was built and the sculptures which adorn the front façade of US Bank on the south side of the square. When Bill Ross got involved, people could count on more than his money. His name and reputation were worth more than his donation.
However, the most important gift he contributed was his enthusiasm. With a phone call to any of the other community leaders at the time, he could inspire cooperation as well as financial support.
It was his enthusiasm combined with a love of history that inspired so many to learn about the rich local history. Although he never published an article or book, he loved to research and share his findings about dozens of area groups, businesses and people. He was the chief inspiration for his sons, Bill III and Dave- both local historians and Rich Wallace who along with Bill III re-invigorated the Shelby County Historical Society in 1993.