Hunter Clay Ross, 54, passed away on February 3, 2026, in San Antonio. He was born July 31, 1971, in Arlington.

In 1977, his family moved to Alpine, where Hunter attended school from kindergarten through twelfth grade and developed his lifelong love of the outdoors. During his high school years, he also attended the New Mexico Military Institute for two years.

Following his graduation from Alpine High School, Hunter enrolled in flight school, where he earned his Private Pilot License, Commercial License, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, and Flight Instructor certifications. He later returned to Alpine and enrolled at Sul Ross State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. He became the Fixed Base Operator at Alpine Municipal Airport under contract with the City of Alpine. His airplane was used for both charter flights and personal travel.

Hunter's greatest passion was the outdoors, especially hunting. He leased ranches throughout the Trans-Pecos region and the Texas Hill Country. His big game pursuits expanded to Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Sonora, Mexico. His business, Desert Safaris, evolved into a 25-year adventure that carried him across the United States as well as to Alaska, Hawaii, Mongolia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Spain, and Kyrgyzstan. Most recently, he fulfilled a longtime dream by traveling to Turkey in pursuit of a Bezoar ibex, which he successfully harvested. He described it as "a trip of a lifetime."

Desert Safaris became well known throughout the hunting community and brought Hunter many lifelong friendships scattered far and wide. He had an infectious laugh and a wicked sense of humor and will be remembered by family and friends for his kind heart and generous spirit.

Hunter is survived by his daughter, Kennedy Jane Ross; his son, Bridger Clay Ross; his parents, Martin and Brenda Ross; his brother, Russ Ross; his sister, Dee Dee Ross; several nieces and nephews; and his loyal Labrador Stella.