Michael Xavier "Mike" Ross

Michael Xavier “Mike” Ross, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 26, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Born on August 25, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, Mike carried Detroit with him wherever life took him—especially when it came to cars, sports, and spirited opinions about all things automotive and athletic. A lifelong “car guy,” Mike could spot a good engine note from a mile away and never met a conversation about horsepower he didn’t enjoy. He shared a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner with his brother and later owned a Dodge Challenger Scat Pack that frightened anyone who drove it but Mike.

Mike proudly served two years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, a chapter of his life he valued deeply. He later built a long career managing multiple Golden Corral restaurants, where his easy smile, booming laugh, and gift for connecting with people left lasting impressions on coworkers and customers alike.

More than anything, Mike loved his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sasha, his children Kathleen Danielle, DianaLee Gabrielle, Mariah Xavier, Serafina Aleksandra, and Mike Alexsandr Jr. (MJ); and his grandson Dustin. He is also survived by his brothers Daniel, Christopher, Patrick, and William, his sister Marilyn, and former spouse Kathleen.

He was preceded in death by his brother Richard and by his parents, Daniel Floyd Ross and Diana Lee Ross (Shea).

Mike’s laughter could fill a room, and his smile rarely left his face. He had a talent for making ordinary moments memorable—whether he was creating elaborate Christmas Elf stories for his two youngest children or enthusiastically coaching MJ’s budding baseball career with the intensity of a World Series manager and the heart of a proud dad.

He loved Detroit sports teams with unwavering loyalty, even when they occasionally tested the limits of human endurance. Through every season of life, though, Mike remained optimistic, generous, and quick to share a joke, a story, or encouragement with anyone who needed it.

Mike will be interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan, in September, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends and loved ones honor Mike’s memory by spending time with the people they care about, sharing kindness freely, and maybe cheering a little louder for the home team.

Mike will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and almost certainly is still arguing somewhere about cars, baseball, and Detroit sports.