Clyde F. “Ricky” Ross, Jr.

Fourth generation fisherman, Clyde F. Ross, Jr., is the eldest of six children born to Clyde, Sr. and Rita Mae Fryou Ross. He was raised in “Possum Neck” area of Biloxi, closely located near the ice houses and seafood factories. This is where his parents shrimp boat, the “Magg-Doff” would be docked and Clyde, Sr. would teach his children the industry.

“Ricky” would work side by side with his father on weekends, summers and on school breaks. But his teachers would include uncles and cousins who also worked as captains and deckhands.

Today, Ricky is now the teacher as his sons Derick and Ryan often accompany him aboard the “Mark & Dawn” as he harvests seafood from the Gulf Coast waters. It is a skill that Ricky prides himself on and is quoted as saying, “If you don’t have it right, you’re just playing in the water.”

Ricky has owned the “Mark & Dawn”, a 53-foot lugger for more than 35 years and is perpetuating the Ross Family legacy in his children and grandchildren. His strong work ethic and passion for the seafood industry’s culture and heritage are now recognized in his induction into the Heritage Hall of Fame.