Billie Billing Pool Player and author and a close friend to Robert G. Ross

TRIBUTE TO ROBERT ROSS BY BILLIE BILLING I'm not sure how to do this. My heart broke down when I heard about the sad news. How can I try and describe someone so special in plain old words? And, how can I possibly sum up the feelings and memories I have for Robert Ross in one tribute? It’s almost impossible. I have known Robert for many years through our love of photography. We shared our thoughts on the best film to use and the best chemicals to push the F stops. Those were the years when negative film was king. It became so much easier when digital photography came into being. And we exchanged information on how to protect our work from "collectors". There's no money to be made from pool photographs but it is disheartening when people post your work in books, magazines, posters, flyers, calendars, and whatever without giving credit to the photographer and without asking permission. Robert, you touched the lives of so many people with your beautiful photographs of pool players. That was another love we shared, letting the public recognize the knowns and unknowns of the pool world. Our community has lost one of its brightest lights. Your light shone so brightly that I can’t really believe it’s gone. You touched not only my heart but so many peoples' and left a mark on this world that won’t be forgotten. You have given me so many wonderful memories and I won't ever forget you. May your soul rest in peace, my friend. My thoughts of comfort and condolences to your grieving family, and especially to Deborah, the love of your life. I realize many have seen this selfie of Robert. But I'm posting it again as it is one of my favorites. His use of black and white is indescribably magnificent. - Billie Robert G, Ross was a well-known and extremely talented photographer who specialized in POOL PLAYERS.