Billy Ray Cross Sr.

Billy Ray Cross Sr., of Piedmont SC, breathed his last breath on Friday morning June 2. He was born in Greenville on July 8, 1935 to the late Bonnie Columbus and Bernice Cross. Bill had a passion for antique cars, collecting antiques, WW2 memorabilia, the Atlanta Braves, and reading his Bible. In earlier years, he and his son, Billy Jr., enjoyed many adventures traveling the country.

Bill served his country in the Army Reserves. He was a member of Second Presbyterian Church for nearly 70 years, where he served first as a Deacon, then an Elder, and was recently appointed as Elder Emeritus. Bill graduated Welcome High School and attended Greenville Technical College. He was an entrepreneur having owned a business in woodworking and fiberglass molding since the mid-1960's.

Bill is survived by his sweetheart of 46 years, Barbara Cross; his ex-wife Judy Brown Cross; brother, Ron Cross (Jan) of Georgia; son, Billy Cross Jr. (Rosalind); step-sons, Rodney Morrow (Susan), Geary Morrow (Derallin); step daughter, Robin Roberts; adopted son, Gabriel Lewis; adopted daughter Rachel O'Donald; grandchildren, Zack Cross, Josh Lewis, Seth Morrow, Chad Morrow, Amy Morrow, Krystal McLean, Kimberly Blackburn, and Jacob Gallian; 13 great-grandchildren; his niece Kelley C. Sleeper; and great-nephew, Noah Sleeper. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Karen Morrow.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church.