Emmett Ross, former vice president of marketing of Hazel, Inc. (PPAI 114161) and a past chair of the PPAI Board of Directors, passed away on December 8 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was 81.

During his career in the promotional products industry—he also served on Hazel’s board of directors—Ross was active in a number of professional organizations. He served on PPAI’s board for five years, with his term as chair in 1985, and was a member of National Premium Sales Executives and the St. Louis Advertising Specialty Association.

After retiring from the industry in 1989, Ross purchased a cattle farm near Pocahontas, Arkansas. He moved to Jonesboro in 2006 due to ill health.

Ross is survived by his wife Peggy; daughter Gina Ross; granddaughter Maggie Adams and her husband Clay; grandson Ross Beard and his wife Rebecca; great-grandchildren Weston, Emerson and Braylon; half-sisters Jessanita White and Ellen Trahan; and his dog, Beau.

A memorial service was held on December 10 at Emerson Memorial Chapel in Jonesboro, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 East Matthews, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401.