Chris Van Cross

Chris V. Cross, born at Erlanger Hospital, Chattanooga, Tennessee was born to Chris V. Cross the first and Dovie Thornhill (Cross) Price. He was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee and cared for by his fraternal grandmother, Laura Cross and his aunt Mary (Cross) Blake. He had one older brother, Marvin Jones. In his early years he was a cub scout. His grandmother, Laura Cross, always told him he was brave and strong when he was young, which were also his last words.

His cousins: Edward Cleghorne & Napoleon Custer Jr. were like his brothers growing up. They were referred to as the three “C’s Cleghorne, Custer, Cross (aka Three Musketeers) –Their Motto “one for all and all for one”.

He married Roselie (Smith) Croley on August 27, 1962 in Cincinnati, Ohio, by the Honorable Reverend Henry Brown. His favorite memory about his wife is the day he met her. He and his brother Marvin were driving up Ward Street in Cincinnati OH and spotted his bride to be, walking up the street with Carla (eldest daughter) in tow. His brother spotted her first and commented about her beauty when he saw her it was love at first sight and he jumped out of the car and ran to meet her. Mom said he was chasing her for sure.

He left school early and joined the Army on July 21, 1950 and was honorably discharged July 31st 1967. He was a boxer in the U.S. Army, boxing was his favorite all time sport, he also enjoyed basketball, San Antonio Spurs and football. His Army buddy was Phil Nickleberry and best friend was Bob Reid, whom he worked with at Ford Motor Company. After 41 years of dedicated service, he retired on April 1, 2000. He and his wife relocated to Bulverde, Texas and then to Tomball, Texas to be closer his children. He stayed active by working land. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, shooting his rifle, and sitting outside in the warm sun listening to his Do-whop music and reading the bible. His favorite color was blue and he loved cars. His community involvement includes a member of the UAW and adding to the population.

He went home to be with the Lord on February 18, 2015. He passed away at The Methodist Willowbrook Hospital in Houston, Texas. He fought a brave battle against cancer, cardiac issues and ultimately lost his battle due to severe anemia.

His memory will be cherished by his loving wife of 52 years, Roselie Cross; eight Children: Phillip K. Croley, Carla M. Croley, Randy G. Croley, Chris V. Cross, Jr., Angela Y. Nettles, Lanore S. Cross, Marcus T. Cross & Rodney S. Cross; 19 Grandchildren: Arica Adams, Andre Billings, Randy Croley, DeShaun Billings, Curtis Cross, Brandi Crowley, Antoine Brown, Brittany Haswell, Lionel Nettles Jr., Jordan Cross, Calea Cross, Christina Cross, Christopher Nettles, Jazmin Nettles, Christian Cross, Lexi McCann, Morgan Cross, Trinity Cross, Kingston Cross; 14 Great Grandchildren (with one more on the way).

He was an extraordinary caring man, loved by all who met him. He adored his wife and loved his family. A man of his word, his motto was “do what you say”. His yes was his yes and no was his no. A provider and a protector; working seven days a week to care for his family; teaching his children honesty, trust, respect, responsibility, and hard work. He always took time to show and share his love. He was brave and strong.