From: Sharon Satterfield (daughter of Charles and Doris Gross, son of Abe and Sarah Gross)
To: Ron (Gross) Arnone (son of Phil Gross, son of Louis and Marion Emma Gross)
Date: November 11, 2010


Ron,

I've never submitted to this web site but, I guess it's time as I remember my dad, Charles Gross, who died August 1, 2010.

Passing away only one day prior to his 89th birthday, Charles was the eldest of Abe and Sarah's children.
He was born in Chicago and, at the age of 12, moved to Nashville, Tennessee.

He met my mother at Vultee Aircraft during WW11, Dooley, (Doris Moskovitz) and they married in 1942. For nearly 68 years, she was the love of his life.

During the war, he traveled from California to Pennsylvania, working as a civil engineer. He designed the layouts for the military aircraft factories across the country. Although he had wanted to serve overseas, the military needed him here at home to rely on his expertise in his chosen field.

After the war, he became co-owner of Tennessee Mat Company - a business that originally manufactured one product - door mats made from old rubber tires and wire. Over the next forty-seven years, the company grew until there was a full line of matting that was sold all over the world.

Although my dad was a successful business man and an exceptionally innovative individual, he would remain humble throughout his life. When asked the key to his success, he replied, "It's a gift"...taking no credit for
his hard work and dedication.

Tennessee Mat was certainly his passion and his legacy. But, it could not hold a candle to his first love which was his family...Dooley and his four kids - Ronnie, Richie, Sharon and Randy. And, he adored his six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren...as well as his brothers and sister, his children's spouses, nieces, nephews, inlaws and cousins...all his relatives and, his friends.

For decades, he endured the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and rarely complained. He had a wonderful, dry sense of humor. He was a man of few words but, when he spoke, what he had to say was often either wise or funny.
For many members of the Gross family, he was the patriarch and a mentor.

He had many redeeming qualities that made a lasting impression on all who knew and loved him. He is missed by many, as his funeral clearly indicated by a sanctuary that was filled to capacity.

As we mourn the loss of Charles Gross, we're also thankful he had a long life filled with many blessings.
and, we're grateful for our countless, beautiful memories of him.

Sharon Satterfield