Ralph Cleveland Cross, 85, passed away at his home on February 4, 2017. He was born in Cordele, GA October 2, 1931 and grew up in Macon, GA. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sherry Maine Cross, his daughter Gina Townsend (Mark), Fernandina Beach, FL; grandson Justin Cross (Nichole), Atlanta, GA; granddaughter April Hyers (Jeremy) Fernandina Beach, FL; granddaughter Alissa Warlick; grandsons Ryan Warlick and Matthew Warlick (Stephanie) of Chattanooga, TN. Great grandchildren Tyler Hyers, Bodhi Cross, Brieanna, Braxton, Maddox, and Cruz Warlick; nephews Jesse Griffin (Ann) of Macon, GA; and Roscoe Cross (Judy) of Palm Bay, FL; brother-in-law Freddie Mayne (Sue) of Dothan; and his beloved Wiemaraner Sophie. Mr. Cross was preceded in death by his parents Owen and Ella Cross, his brother Roscoe Cross, sister Mildred Griffin and son Robert Warlick.

Ralph served 4 years in the USAF. While stationed in Tripoli, North Africa during the Korean War he operated the MARS radio station running high ranking military traffic around the globe during normal hours (AJ5AC) and then running personnel phone patches stateside after hours (5A2TZ). Ralph received his BBA and MBA from the University of Georgia and taught there for 4 years. He completed 5 years of classes in 3.5 years finishing with an “A” in undergraduate and an “A+” in graduate school. He graduated with honors and received membership in four national honor societies in which one was for single highest freshman of the year and another for highest senior business graduate of the year.

Ralph retired from two multi-national corporations, Owens-Illinois, Inc. of Toledo, Ohio and Lily-Tulip Cup Corporation of Toledo, Ohio and Augusta, GA. He and his CEO orchestrated the buy-out of Lily-Tulip division of O-I taking that division private in 1981. He served as Vice President-Financial & Administration on the Board of Directors and the Executive Board of the new Lily Cup Corporation.

In the early 70’s, Ralph was involved in the Boy Scouts of America as a Scoutmaster. He was named Director of the NW District of the BSA while living in Ohio. He loved to hunt and organized the Withlacoochee Hunting Club near Valdosta, GA. Later in life he continued hunting through the lens of his camera. His beautiful wildlife photography is still being enjoyed by many. The Cross’ enjoyed traveling in their motor home which took them to 49 states along with their Min-pin pups Brandy and Coco. The highlight of their camping days was the 3 months they spent in Alaska. After retiring in 1984, due to his health, Ralph and his wife moved to Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, FL where they lived for 24 years. He opened the Ice Cream Gallery on Centre Street and enjoyed volunteering for the community. He was President and on the board of the Island Art Association and the Nassau County Arts Alliance. He chaired the Fernandina Beach Housing Authority, charted the Nassau County October Fest, served on the annual Shrimp Festival Committee, and was active in the GOP. Ralph was influential in bringing soccer to the youth of Amelia Island.

In 2005, the Cross’ moved to Dothan, AL where they became members of the Tabernacle United Methodist Church. Ralph enjoyed working with other retirees at Deanco Auto Auction. He was an avid UGA Dawg fan and a true patriot who loved his country. He was a friend to everyone he met. Ralph, Pops, Papa, PopPop will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, February 18, 2:00 p.m. Central Time at Tabernacle United Methodist Church, Dothan, AL. A graveside service will be held, Saturday, March 4, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Valdosta, GA. Donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to Operation Smile, PO Box 5017, Hagerstown, MD, 21741 or to Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 4205 S. Brannon Stand Road, Dothan, AL 36305.

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