Willie Cross

Willie Cross, 81, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on April 26, 2023, at his home surrounded by his beloved family.

He was born on August 30, 1941, in Benton, Tennessee to the late O.R. and Ruby Leona Chatman Cross.  A veteran of the United States Army, Willie later was ordained at Fellowship Baptist Church, and loved spending time with his friends and church family.

He retired as a truck driver after many dedicated years spent on the road and was a skilled lawn mower mechanic.  One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, O.R. and Ruby Cross, he was preceded in death by two sons, Anthony “Tony” Cross and Dennis Lee Cross; siblings, Fred Cross, Ray “Bo” Cross, Betty Jean Cross, Carolyn Blackwell, and Bobby Cross.

Left to cherish the many memories include his loving wife of 57 years, Peggy Bishop Cross; daughter, Tonya (Anthony) Richardson; grandchildren, Caylie (Tristen) Lowe and Clay Richardson and fiancé, Emily Bates; sister, Judy (Winston) Perian; sister-in-law, Frances “Fran” Cross.  Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home, with Pastor Nick Herron and Pastor Richard Chastain officiating.  A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Benton Memorial Gardens with Clay Richardson, Tristen Lowe, Austin Moore, Timothy Herron, Steven Perian, and Dennis Bishop serving as pallbearers.

Family and friends will gather from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Home Helpers, Adoration Hospice, Tonya Goins, and Brenda Woods for their dedicated care with love.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.