Robert Norman Ross was born October 29th, 1942, in Daytona Beach, Florida. His father, Jack, was a skilled carpenter while his mother, Ollie, was a waitress in their hometown. As a young child, Robert liked to care for injured animals. He had a half Brother named Jim, who he mentioned from time-to-time on his television show. Ross dropped out of high school in the 9th grade and lost his part of his index finger to his carpentry profession. Bob Ross enlisted in the Air-Force in 1961. There he acted as a medical records technician and rose to the rank of master sergeant and served as the first sergeant for the Eielson Air Force base in Alaska. There he learned to paint the snowy mountains on his breaks. Being a sergeant in the military forced Ross to lead with a gruff exterior and a loud commanding voice. Ross retired from the military in 1982 and vowed he would never raise his voice again. After the military, Bob discovered a television show called The Magic of Oil Painting hosted by Bill Alexander. He studied the 16th-century painting techniques and returned to his home in Florida while becoming a traveling salesman and tutor for the Alexander Magic Art Supplies Company. Bob was best known for his permed out hairstyle, which he disliked but kept after working into the graphics for his TV show, the Joy of Painting. Bob later developed his television show, promoted a line of painting supplies, and class recording, which netted his worth at close to 15 million dollars. Bob died in 1995 due to complications from lymphoma. After Bob died in 95, the Kowalski family continues to manage his estate and honor his legacy. Bob is survived by his one son, Robert Stephen Ross "Steve" Ross. Steve is also a talented painter like his father and occasionally appeared on The Joy of Painting. Bob, we love you and appreciate the soft stamp you left on this world and our hearts and will always remember you but the glorious works you left behind in your wake.