of Batesville, AR

October 8, 1932 - July 9, 2025

Ralph D. Cross, 92, of Batesville passed away July 9, 2025.

He was born October 8, 1932 in Littleton, West Virginia to Okey B. Cross and Rhea Mable Kimble Cross.

Ralph was a kind, strong, dedicated man who loved people and was a member of North Heights Church of Christ. He was married to his soulmate for 71 years. He worked for American Airlines for 30 years. Ralph enjoyed gardening, woodworking and loved reading westerns, especially by Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour.

With his booming, baritone voice and larger than life presence, he could have been intimidating to approach, but then he'd flash that gentle smile and utter a soft word of kindness and encouragement and even a timid child would be put right at ease. He was the very definition of a meek man: Obviously strong, but restrained, gentle and loving. He was a pleasure to be around.

He lived over ninety years, with over seventy of them spent with his beloved Lucy at his side. But if you strip away the accomplishments, the funny stories and all the things he saw and did, at the end of it all, you're left with a man who loved his Lord, loved his wife, loved his family and loved his life. He was a role model of a husband, father, elder in the church, neighbor, patriot, employee and friend.

Survivors include his wife, whom he married on December 26, 1953, Wilma ''Lucy'' Cross of the home; three sons, Don Cross (Pat) of Brandon, Mississippi, Randy Cross (Robin) of Nixa, Missouri and Michael Cross (Pam) of Conway, Arkansas; ten grandchildren, Richard Cross (Jane), Paul Cross (Maggie), Leah Wilson (Daniel), Brett Smith, Laura Stevens, Julie Malotte, Gerry Neidig (Jymi), Carey Arbuckle (Christopher), Kelly Elliot (Jeremy), Karie Riddle (Jonathan) and eighteen great-grandchildren, Ava Montgomery Cross, Oby Cross, Frances Cross, Olivia Cross, Brooks Cross, Katherine Wilson, Ally Wilson,Tristan Stevens, Dawson Stevens, Jakob Neidig, Joshua Neidig, Jonah Neidig, Adam Arbuckle, Annie Arbuckle, Alyssa Sanders (Logan), Silas Elliott, Abraham Elliott and Josephine Riddle.

He is preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Sarah Abigail Haines Cross; sister, Lillian Brilhart and granddaughter, Katie Cross.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11:00am at the North Heights Church of Christ with Matthew Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Kyler Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be made in his memory to Children's Homes Inc., 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, AR 72450.

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