Erskine Ross was born on February 27, 1950 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the sixth of seven children born to the union of Thomas and Clara (nee Patterson) Ross. Erskine was preceded in death by both his parents, Thomas and Clara Ross along with three of his siblings, Amelia, Thomas Jr., and James Ross.

Erskine was raised and educated in East St. Louis, IL along with his siblings. In 1967, he joined the United States Marine Corp and was honorable discharged. He lived his life on his own terms, the jokester that he was.

On Friday, October 14, 2022 , Erskine departed this life into eternal rest. Erskine leave behind to cherish his memory, his beloved son, Delvon Jenkins of East St. Louis, IL; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren; sisters, Edna (Ross) Wheelis and Elouise (Ross) Garth, both from St. Louis, Missouri, and brother Gregory Ross of East St. Louis, Illinois along with his nieces, nephews, and numerous family and friends.