Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, William Cross, Jr., 69, of Parkesburg died unexpectedly on Friday, January 29, 2016 surrounded by those who loved him dearly. Born in Coatesville, Bill was married to Barbara Davis Cross for 47 years and they had lived in Parkesburg since 1980.
Bill worked for Lukens Steel for more than 30 years, followed by another 10 years of service to Martin Limestone. Since retirement, he greatly enjoyed leading tours of Lancaster County for the Amish Farm & House.
Bill will be fondly remembered for his service to others. He was an active member of the Parkesburg Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. In addition, he volunteered in many other community activites ranging from Boy Scouts to Hibernia Park.
Above all else, Bill was a devoted family man who enjoyed nothing more than sharing time with his wife, children, grandchildren and assorted nieces and nephews. Whether spending summer days in Ocean City, NJ, spring vacations in Clearwater, Florida or proudly watching his grandchildren pursue their passions on the field or on the stage, Bill was happiest when surrounded by those he loved and of whom he was most proud.
Bill is survived by his wife Bobbi, son Matthew Cross and his wife Carley and grandchildren Harper and Lucas, daughter Amy Cross and Ray Cabot and sister Cathy Markward and her husband Michael and nephew, Tim. He was predeceased by parents William Cross, Sr. and Grace Hartzell Cross.
Funeral services will be held at the Parkesburg Baptist Church, 103 West St., Parkesburg, PA 19365 on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 11:00am with visitation from 9:00 to 11:00am followed by interment at the Hephzibah Baptist Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkesburg Baptist Church at the above address or Friends of Hibernia Park, P.O. Box 355, Wagontown, PA 19376.
Arrangements by the Wilde Funeral Home, Parkesburg, PA. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
Bill Cross
Bill was our Neighbor for over 30 years and we went to Coatesville High School together and it is with great sadness that I write this. Bill was a good man..one of the nicest guys one could ever know..and I am filled with such sorrow to know of his passing. He cut my grass sometimes without me asking. God what a shock. Bill must be in heaven he was so good of a person. Bobbi I am so sorry to hear this...Lisa and I will miss seeing him walk around the loop as he waved to us all the time. I bet I'll see him walking again. What a nice guy..I will miss him. Dennis & Lisa
Condolences
Oh My Condolences Bobbie to you and your Family . What a sweetheart Bill was , always loved running into him for a little chat , so easy to be around . He'll be greatly missed , Love and Prayers, Marytheodate
Dear Bobbi and Family, We
Dear Bobbi and Family, We are deeply saddened to hear of Bill's death. He will be great,y missed. He was one if the kindest and gentlest men we have ever known. He was a good friend, a good neighbor and a good man. Both of you were always so kind to our sons as they were growing up. Your driveway was always open to the neighborhood boys to sit and talk.. You encourages them to laugh and explore the world. Bill led the boys through scouting and sports ...always there for them. He was a great influence on many young lives. He left quite a footprint on this world. We were blessed to cross his path on this journey and will greatly miss him. We pray your memories are snug in your hearts and will carry you on through the years to come. Love, Al and Marty
Dear Bobbi and Family,
Dear Bobbi and Family,
Kev and I are so sorry for your Loss. Kev and I remembered Bill at the Baptist Church when we attended he was always a pleasure to talk to.
You Take Take and hold onto your precious memories. Continued Prayers be with you and your Family. Sincerely, Kevin and Tina Wilson.
Our deepest condilences to
Our deepest condilences to the Cross family. You are all in our prayers.
William Cross
Nancy and I did not know Bill, nor any of his family except Amy, who has been the companion of our son, Ray Cabot, for many years. In recent months I had ben suggesting to Amy that Nancy and I meet her family, about whom we have learned much — all of it good. We're very sorry that we did not get to meet Bill, and we hope that that mistake can be corrected for the rrest of her family. Knowing Amy as we do, and hearing from both her and Ray about her father, we are certain that knowing him would have been a great privilege. When Ray called last night to tell us the sad news, he said through tears, "He was a really good guy." Our condolences to the family, and our love to Amy.
Bill Cross family
We are very sorry for your loss. Please know we are praying for your family
Bill Cross
We are devastated by the loss of our 35 year backyard neighbor, friend and truly kind and wonderful man. What a terrible loss. It is just so hard to believe. Bobby, Amy and Matt you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time Our love, Sand & Steve
Bill was a great coworker.
i would like to offer my condolences to your family. I worked with Bill at The Amish Farm and House. He was truly a wonderful, friendly, kind man. I know he will be missed. I pray that you feel the loving arms of Jesus wrapped around you during this time. We will meet again Bill rest easy in the arms of our Lord.
Fawn Sample
Dear Bobbi, Amy, Matt and all
Dear Bobbi, Amy, Matt and all of Bill's family,
Our prayers are with you and Bill at this very sad time. We are sure that Bill was at peace at the time of his passing. We pray that he is resting in peace with the Lord today. Bill was always so even tempered and easy going. We will miss him.
Love and prayers,
Ray & Charlotte Teti
Bill Cross
Condolences to all of the Cross family and extended family on the passing of Bill Cross... Bill's commitment to his family was exceptional and always paramount . He was a good role model who embodied the virtues of Loyalty, Duty, Family values, Godliness, and Commitment. He kept his word, and he could always be relied upon.. From the treasured memories of Switzerland , to dinner dances and many New Year's Eves amid the "clacking of billard balls" in the basement, Bill was constant , reliable and honest. He could be counted on and he never waivered in his commitment to his family . I know he will be missed as Husband, Father and Grandfather. My prayers are with you, Linda Parsons
Bobbi and Family. so sorry
Bobbi and Family. so sorry to hear sad news about Bill. He was a dear neighbor and always had a smile and kind words to say. On my walk a couple of weeks
ago we chatted a few minutes. Will miss seeing Bill around our neighborhood. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Joyce and Bill
To the Cross family....we are
To the Cross family....we are SO sorry for your loss. We were totally shocked to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this hard time. Bill always had that kind face and heart....he will be truly missed by many....XooX
We go back so far and when we
We go back so far and when we think of the years gone by it seems like yesterday. Whenever you would see Bill, he always had a smile that lit up the room. Dear Bobbi, we are so sorry. There are so many Angels waiting for his coming that he will not be lonely. There is much for you to bear but remember that this was his happiest day! He met the Father and held His hand. We will pray for you and Amy and Matt and all your family.
It is with a sad heart that
It is with a sad heart that we learned of Bill's passing. Bill and I were life guards at wagontown swim club in the early years of the pool, and also played in the Scott High School Band. We shared many great times over the years. Our last time to talk about the good old days was at our 50th high school reunion. Candy and I send our Heartfelt sympathy to the entire Cross Family. May the Lord give you comfort. Nelson & Candy
My condolences to Bill Cross family
To Bill's family: I would like to express my condolences. Best regards, Sattar, co-worker at Amish Farm
Many blessings to the Cross family
Bobbi- May God bless you and your beautiful family at this very sad time. When we heard the news late Saturday night, we were shocked and saddened.
Bill was the perfect example of a "true gentleman". When he talked about his family, you could see and hear the love and pride he had for all of you.
Bill was a wonderful neighbor and a good friend. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and keep a watchful eye.
He will be dearly missed by our family.
Blessings, Joan & Carroll Scheetz and family
Bill Cross Family
To the Family of Bill Cross, My deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. I worked with Bill at the Amish Farm and House. Bill would always be calm and unflappable whenever things got crazy on busy days at the Farm. I remember he liked to be kept busy. He didn't like to sit around and do nothing. I enjoyed working with him, and will miss him!
Sincerely, Carmen Horst
Bill Cross - a neighbor, a friend
Bobbie and family,
During our adult lives, we have had numerous neighbors, but only a few as great as Bill. He always greeted you with a smile and a wave.
Bill will missed by many, only a man with his personality and involved in his activities has touched so many people.
Rest in peace
I'll miss you!!!
I have the honor to get to know Bill through The Amish Farm and House. He read a lot and was very quiet most of the time. He is such a gentle soul. His sense of humor made it easier for people to talk to and relate to. I'll miss seeing you and talking with you at work, Bill. Thank you for sharing those conversations and moments with me and my daughter, Joy!!! She got a fitbit for Christmas last year. May the loving memories of you filled the hearts of your loved ones and those who had come accross your path on this journey called Life!!! I am glad that you were here with us!!!
Hui-Ling Singer
Bill Cross, my friend
Bill and I were the best of friends though school and scouts and band. While we have taken the different paths where life has led us, I always knew Bill would be there if I needed a friend. To Bobbi and family, I feel certain your good memories of Bill will comfort and prevail during this time.
Ron Eckman, Mechanicsburg, PA
Our heartfelt sympathies
Dear Barbara, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. I will miss his presence at Trinity Episcopal when you made your annual visit in memory of his parents. Please extend our sympathies to his sister, your children, and all extended family. May the peace of our Lord sustain you.
Sincerely,
Pat & Joe Kirkner
We are shocked and saddened
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's death. He was such a quiet nice guy! We were looking forward to seeing you both in Clearwater in March. Our thoughts are with you Bobbi. Linda and Don Wilson
Condolences To William Cross
Dear Bobbi,
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Billy and I go back to Terry Elementary School. i could tell you so many stories about Billy and what a great guy he was. I remember when i first started smoking when I was around twelve. Billy saw me smoking and read the riot act. After that, I never smoked in front of him. I remember a bunch of us going down to the Brandywine Creek to try and build a raft. I don't think that we did. I knew Billy for a whole lot of years and never heard anyone say a disparaging word against him.
If I wasn't living in Florida, I'd be there to pay my respects. Rest in peace old friend.
Bill Cross
Lew and I want to extend our deepest sympothy. Bill was a kind person and well liked. He will be greatly missed.
Bill Cross
Bobbi & family, Words alone cannot adequately express our deepest sympathy. Often spoke to Bill during his daily walks around the neighborhood & with a friendly wave in passing . A true gentleman !! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time . Keep your memories close.... they will sustain you . If you need anything , Bobbi, we are all here for you !!!
David, Deb Kauffman & family
Bill Cross
To Bill's family. I had the privilage of working with Bill at the Amish Farm and House. He was a man of good humor and intelligance. I remember an incedent this past summer where Bill had a passenger on his tour bus who wanted to join the Amish church. The lady obviously had some deep-seated problems, but Bill dealt with her with compassion and understanding. Bill cared about people and that's what made him such a fine tour guide and co-worker. I will miss his smile and his humor. - Don Pentz
Walking man bill
We will truly miss your smiling face and your words of wisdom as you stride the loop.conversations about Florida and spring training and family we will always remember. Many thoughts to Bobbie and family.
Bobbie, Matt & Amy
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We always remember him fondly when thinking back to our days as traveling soccer parents and our cub scout days. Bill was a great guy and he will be missed.
My sincerest sympathies to
My sincerest sympathies to the family and friends of Bill. I had the pleasure of working with him at the Amish Farm and House. I remember his kind and quiet demeanor. I will miss him and his subtle wit. God Bless.
To: Bobbi & Family,
To: Bobbi & Family,
We just heard the news of Bills passing. Our prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
God Bless, Tom and Darlene Dunmoyer Flood
Prayers from Iowa
Dear Bobbi,
We were saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Be assured that Eldonna and I are praying for you and the family.
Don and Eldonna long
Bobbi and Family
Bobbi, I just saw Bill's obituary today and am shocked and saddened. I'm so sorry I missed his services. You hold a special place in my heart, and I offer my deepest sympathy for your family's loss. Amy Trego
An Awesome Mentor
To Bobbi and Family- I am shocked & sorry for your loss of Bill. I learned of his passing after his memorial service or I would've been there. I worked with Bill for 3 years at Door Solutions by New Holland Concrete when he was the manager. So I probably saw him as much as you did during that time period. He was a really nice person, a great boss,and an awesome mentor. When he retired in 2010 I was promoted into the manager's role and he was the person that prepared me for it. He challenged me in conversations we had that helped make me think thru subjects clearly before making decisions. Always was advising and taking me "down different rabbit trails" as he liked to say. Helped mold me into the person I am today. We had great non-business conversations and that's how I learned how much he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them - especially the beach. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during wha tI'm sure will be some tough times moving forward. But I'm sure he's in a good place as he wasn't afraid to profess to anyone his faith in God....Dave Greenawalt
Your Farewell Came Too Soon
Every once in a great while, not nearly often enough, you get to meet someone who touches your heart from the very moment you meet them; that's Mr. & Mrs. Cross. The separation of time and miles has no diminishing affect on the warmth you feel in your heart when you think of them. Mr. Cross, your farewell came far too soon. The Heavens are brighter, but it is a little darker down here. God Bless. Much Love.