Ross Douglas Adair, 69, of Brownwood, Texas, passed away on March 28, 2025. The family will host a celebration of life for Ross at a later date.
A National Merit Scholar, he graduated from Trenton High School in Michigan in 1973. He attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1977. Betting a college roommate that he could score higher on the LSAT, he made the highest score ever recorded in the state of Michigan. That challenge led him to pursue a law degree, initially attending Pepperdine University in California before completing his Juris Doctor at Texas Tech University School of Law, with a Concentration in Criminal Law and Innocence.
Ross practiced law in Abilene, Texas, working as a criminal prosecutor, a criminal defense attorney, and a judge. Later, he moved to San Antonio and returned to his first field of study—chemistry. He worked for Jungle Laboratories in Cibolo, Texas, before moving to Port Lavaca to work as a chemist for Formosa Plastics Corporation in Point Comfort, Texas.
Ross had a deep appreciation for antique radios, classic cars, and trains, and he was an avid fan of football and basketball. He loved cheering for the Michigan State Spartans and the San Antonio Spurs.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Nichols Adair of Brownwood. He leaves behind a large and loving family, including his daughter Ashley Adair and her wife, Sharon Navarro, of San Antonio, Texas; his daughter Robyn Adair Kim of Maryland; his son Adam Robert Adair of Florida; Reba Bishop of Medford, Oregon; Ashley Baker and her husband, Tony, of Brownwood; Bradley Nichols and his wife, Angela, of Abilene, Texas; and Chase Nichols of Abilene, Texas. Ross was a cherished grandfather to twelve grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his brother Scott Adair of Michigan, his sister Gayle Adair Hoy of North Carolina, three nieces, and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Lorraine Adair of Elmira, New York; his son, James Douglas Nichols; his daughter, Tiffany Kathleen Nichols; and his niece, Heather Lorraine Hoy.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Kinder Hearts Hospice of Early, Texas, for the wonderful compassion and care they provided Ross.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kinder Hearts Hospice of Early, Texas.
May the memory of his wit and intellect bring a smile to all who knew him, and may his Christian faith bring him eternal peace.
Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net