Robert Decker
The family of U.S. Army Pfc. Adam Ross was given a long ovation by spectators at Greer Idol Friday night. Ross was killed in Afghanistan last Tuesday when he encountered small arms fire, according to the Department of Defense. Parents Dudley and Amanda Ross, their son, and Adam Ross' girlfriend, Rachel "B.B." Lowery attended Greer Idol. Mike Lowery, the emcee of Greer Idol, is B.B.'s father.
Jim Fair
The spectators at Greer Idol Friday night paid tribute to U.S. Army Pfc. Adam Ross with an extended standing ovation.
Greer saluted U.S. Army Pfc. Adam Ross at Greer Idol Friday night with song, dedications and a heartfelt long ovation for his family attending the event. Ross was killed in Afghanistan last Tuesday when he was caught in an ambush.
Mike Lowery, Greer Idol emcee for the past six years, told the spectators he often questioned why he maintained emceeing the annual summer competition. Friday night the answer came to him.
“This is a mark in time and you have a mic and a platform to express yourself. Since Pfc. Adam Ross was a child he wanted to join the Army. He wanted to be in the infantry and he knew the risks,” Lowery said. “He would not turn his back. This really hit home with me on Tuesday. I was honored Pfc. Adam Ross was my daughter’s (Rachel “B.B.” Lowery) boyfriend.”
WATCH THE TRIBUTE ON GreerToday TV >>
Lowery, with tears in his eyes, introduced Ross’ parents, Dudley and Amanda, onstage to receive the extended standing ovation, cheers and raised hands to honor their fallen son.
Lowery, his head down and arms around a friend, later softly said, “As a parent of a daughter. There was no better person you wanted with your daughter.”
Ross’ remains arrived at Dover Air Force Base on Thursday and will arrive in Greer any day. His body will arrive at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greer and be escorted to Greer for services. GreerToday.com will continue to update this story to allow citizens to honor Ross upon his return to Greer.
All four Greer Idol finalists dedicated their evening’s performances to Ross. Megan Watts 16, Greer Idol Teen winner, sang a song she wrote “Remember You Today” in honor of Ross. Watts’ father was deployed to Afghanistan several months ago and is scheduled to return this fall. Judge Brian Martin told Watts, “That was amazing and prophetic song.”
The “Stone Soldier” a person portraying a stationary soldier was enlisted to stand aside the stage during the performances in honor of Ross.
Dana Jordan and Doug Allen, 2011 Greer Idol champion and runner-up, closed the Idol season, with a song honoring Ross. “Take a moment to remember the family,” Jordan said. Allen said, “I’m honored to stand on the stage where the family stood.”
