William Edward Cross, Sr. was born August 25, 1944, to the late Rev. Raymond Payne Cross and Elder Carrie Pipkins Cross. He was the fourth of 11 children. Sisters: Annie “Penny” Mildred Abernathy (Leroy) (deceased), Barbara Jean Brown(deceased), Naomi Elaine Brown (deceased) Debbie (Reggie) Cross Huff (deceased), and Brothers: Raymond Cross, Sr. (Pat) (deceased), Thomas Nelson Cross (deceased), Eugene Cross (deceased), and Stanford Cross (deceased).
William transitioned from his earthly life, Friday, May 12th, at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, TN after an extended illness.
He grew up in Pulaski, TN and at an early age joined Dixon Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church. William graduated from Bridgeforth High School in 1962 where he discovered his love for football. He later met and married his friend Ara Reynolds Cross. The happy couple then relocated to Nashville, TN. To this union, two children were born.
His love for football led him to become a Jr. Pro football coach for approximately 13 years. To his record were undefeated seasons and championships. His love for sports extended to basketball at St. Vincent DePaul High School where he coached the girl’s team and celebrated several championships.
William’s Spiritual journey led him to join Berean Baptist Church, Eighth Street Missionary Baptist Church where he severed as Co-Chairman of the Deacon Board, and Holy Covenant Church of Faith, where he served as a Deacon.
His hobbies included cooking, fishing, hunting, and grilling. His grilling skills were unmatched, and he was proud of his collection of grilling apparatuses.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Ara Reynolds Cross of Pulaski, TN, daughter, Roslyn (Ken) Streeter of Pulaski, TN, and son, William Cross, Jr. of LaVergne, TN. Grandson, Marcus Jerold Price, Granddaughters, D’Shaunna Rochelle Garrett of Nashville, TN, and Breanna Artrease Garrett of Columbia, TN. Great Grandchildren, Za’Niyah, A ‘Zarian, Ayden, Montavian, Kylie, and Marcus Jr. Brother, Robert Lee (Caulyne) Cross of Pulaski, TN, and Carol Wade of Pulaski, TN. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, James Willis Patterson, Napoleon Batts, and Ben Wright.
“I can no longer see you with my eyes or touch you with my hands….
But I will feel you in my Heart FOREVER!!!!”
Wife – Ara Cross
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 19th, 2023 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm and Saturday, May 20th, 2023 from 11:00am until 12:00pm with the funeral service to follow at 12:00pm at Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory.
Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery.
Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for William Edward Cross, Sr.
