Ross David Burling, a lifelong citizen of Alpine, Texas, passed away peacefully in Boerne, Texas, on January 8, 2025. Ross was born May 29, 1961, the youngest of six children born to J.B. And Peggy Burling.
After graduating from high school, Ross attended Sul Ross University. Ross enjoyed hunting, fishing, and target shooting with his three brothers and was a good shot. He spent many happy times fishing with family at Lajitas. Ross worked during high school at The Hut and Sonic eventually becoming the manager of the Longhorn Steakhouse. Later he was in charge of food service for Brewster County Jail. While there, he graduated from the Police Academy and became a Deputy Sheriff working as a detention officer and dispatcher. Ross was retired from the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office.
Ross was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John (Bud) Burling. He is survived by his sister Connie Springfield (Jerry); brother Robert; brother Chuck Burling (Debbie) and sister Ginger Coen (Wade) as well as eight nieces and one nephew. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Naiah, who was the light of his life as well as many dear friends. Ross never met a stranger and was known by his friends as a gentle, funny, kind, and loyal friend who really knew his way around the kitchen. He suffered many complications from diabetes in recent years He has, a last, cast away his crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and prosthetics and now hovers effortlessly over his beloved West Texas.
A memorial service for Ross will be held on February 10 at 10 a.m. at the American Legion in Alpine.