The Reverend David William Gross was born on a late summer night September 7th, 1949, to Nannie Mae Jones Gross and Leland Burl Gross in the deep, dark hills of southeast Kentucky along the Cumberland River in a small home which was owned by his grandparents, William McKinley Gross and Mrytle Unthank Gross at Wallins Creek, Kentucky.

At the time of his birth, his father Burl went to get Doctor Boone but by the time Dr. Boone arrived Burl's baby boy, David, had already been delivered by two neighbor ladies, Bertha Potter and Thema Goodwolyn. David was the second child of Burl and Nannie, making their first-born son, Wayne, an excited older brother.

David and his family descended from the early settlers of Harlan County. David could trace his heritage back to before Harlan County became a county and was still referred to as Pioneer Knox County and Lee County Virginia.

In David's ancestral tree is Daniel Hignite, Ephraim Osbourne, Jesse Brock, Samuel Howard, Steven Jones, and William Asher. These men were Veterans of the Revolutionary War and early settlers of the Southeastern Appalachian Region.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Sharon Nantz Gross; his five children: oldest son, George N. Gross (spouse, Ashley and children: Mary, Luther, Alice, Hayley, Landon); son, Richard Kirk Gross (spouse Rhonda White, children: Shae, Terri Mae McKinley); daughter, Rebecca (children: Ana, Killian); daughter, Shannon Clarkie Gross; son, William Dietrich Gross; and one great-granddaughter, Emery.

Other beloved family members include Shona Dale Harper, Christopher DeWayne Gross, their children, and many other cousins and relatives. David loved his family and friends and wanted to mention the love he had for all his extended family on the Morgan, Jones, Gilbert, Unthank, and Collett side. David's love of his life, Sharon, came from a wonderful family. Sharon's grandmother was a full-blooded Brock, and her Maw was a full-blooded Turner.

After an honorable military service and a courageous tour in Vietnam, David worked 15 years in the underground coal industry. He started by setting underground Spads. David had Assistant Mine Foreman, Mine Foreman, and Surface Mine Foreman Certifications. He was a Foreman for five years. He also earned three degrees: Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Divinity, and two units of Clinical Pastoral Education. David owes his educational achievements to the encouragement of his bride, Sharon, who advised him to take his calling to Ministry seriously.

David is a 50-year Mason, a 49-year York Rite Mason, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite since 11 November 1977, Oleika Temple Shriner. Additionally, David belongs to two Orders of the Eastern Star, Harlan and Evarts. He was also a lifetime member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the VFW, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and a Kentucky Colonel.

As a Methodist Pastor, David served and led his congregation well. His servant leadership resulted in the church receiving the Small Church of the Year Distinction, 1994 in the Barbourville District. David's zeal and dedication for reaching the lost and spreading the Good News led to him receiving the Harry Denham award for evangelism on two different occasions. He passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025, after a lengthy stay at the Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center in Hazard, KY.

David's impactful life can be summarized by his passion to serve God, serve his Family, and serve his County. Finally, David gave all the Glory to God for any and every accomplishment in his life. David came to know Christ as His Lord and Savior in the fall of 1973.

To all that grieve David's departing to Glory, he leaves these words…"Folks let's all meet in Heaven. What a sweet, sweet DAY that will be!"

Services for David will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Harlan Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 12:00pm, Masonic Rites will be observed at 1:45, with the Home-Going service at 2:00. Chaplain Josh Holland will be officiating. Burial will take place at Resthaven Cemetery, Keith, KY, with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Military Rites will be performed by the Harlan County Honor Guard.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. David Gross.