Raymond J. Cross Jr.

Cross, Raymond Joseph Jr. 88, of Seminole, passed away Sunday December 10th at 1:50 am after a lengthy and valiant fight with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. He was born to the late Janet and Raymond Sr. on July 3rd, 1935 in Ithaca, New York. Ray now joins his beloved wife in Heaven, Marguerite, who passed away in 2013. Ray and Marguerite were married in 1956 and lived together mostly in the Chicago area before retiring to Seminole, Florida in 1990.

Ray graduated from Georgia Tech in 1958 with a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering and later went on to receive a Masters in Industrial Management from Purdue University. Ray was a very accomplished Mechanical Engineer who served time as a Signal Officer in the United States Army stationed at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama accomplishing promotion to the rank of Captain prior to finishing out his commitments. He spent many years dedicatedly working in various positions of increasing responsibility and scope, within Linde Bulk Gases, culminating his career as the Director of Energy Management then retiring after 32 years of innovative service. Ray then spent his time post-retirement serving his community, church members, friends and family. He devoted many hours to refining the voting ballot process in Seminole as well as improving the Christ Presbyterian Church buildings and grounds including a roof replacement and installation of the beautiful LED lights in the chapel.

Raymond is survived by his three children, Raymond J. Cross lll, John A. Cross, and Donald J. Cross. He leaves his legacy with the hopeful future of his seven grandchildren; Jason Cross, Wendy Gwartney, Ashlee Lynn Cross, Brittany Sorensen, Nicholas Cross, and Skylar Cross, Hunter Cameron, as well as six great grandchildren, Austin Gartner, Zaria Mckinney, Axton Cross, Xzaden Mckinney, Bennett Sorensen, and Maya Cross.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to a charity of your choosing in Ray's name. On January 11, there will be a viewing held in remembrance of Ray from 9am to 10am, at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories followed by a graveside service at 10am Garden of Memories Cemetery, both located at 4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610 where he will be laid to rest with his late family members in accordance with his wishes. The family asks those that loved him, to remember the happiness of life that Raymond brought to us all. May he rest in peace.