J.M. Cross

J.M. "Shorty" Cross, 83, a lifelong resident of Polk County passed away Saturday, December 1, 2012 at the home of his daughter. He was employed with the Polk County Road Department for 12 years and later retired from Cleveland High School after 6 years of employment. He was a member of Old Ocoee Baptist Church where he served as Deacon. Mr. Cross enjoyed hunting. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Cross and Lilly Mae Cross; and son, Randy Cross. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Jo Ann Cross of Benton; children, Juanita Myers (J.C.) of Calhoun, Mike Cross of Benton, Boots Cross (Candi) of Athens and Anita Thomas (Roy) of Athens; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Katherine Branam of Fl; brothers: Jack Shook of Chattanooga, Tom Shook of Birchwood, Alvin Shook and Sprauley Shook both of GA; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 5, 2012 in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home in Benton with the Reverend David Qualls and the Reverend Jason Barnes officiating. Interment will follow in Benton Memorial Gardens with Justin Myers, Jason Shamblin, Matthew Welch, Roy Keith, Dennis Bishop and Ronnie Pruiett serving as pallbearers. Daniel Welch, Trayce Shamblin and Alex Burnette will serve as honorary pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. His family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at Higgins Funeral Home in Benton. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Cross family guestbook at www.fikefh.com Fike Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.