In Loving Memory of
Gerald Anthony Cross, Sr

Gerald Anthony Cross, Sr., our precious husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on April 11, 2024 after a lengthy hospitalization. Born on October 11, 1940, Jerry, as he was affectionately known, grew up in a family of 4 boisterous brothers; Robert, Jr., John, Virgil and Paul, and a beautiful sister, Mary in St. Augustine, Florida.  He was adored by his parents, Robert Joseph and Hazel Cross, and spoiled by his Aunt Annie most certainly due to his dashing good looks and clever mind.

From his early years, Jerry loved beautiful vehicles of most every make and model.  In a yellow and black 1955 Ford convertible, he managed to attract the eye of the girl next door.  On October 11, 1958, he married her, the love of his life, Marless Cain, who carried red American Beauty roses on that special day.  Jerry never failed to gift her with red roses on every anniversary, birthday and, often, just because.  In 65 years, they shared so much love, experiencing adventures at home and abroad with family and friends.

Jerry cherished nothing more than spending time with his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren, creating cherished memories that will endure for generations to come.  He spent many weekends and summers boating, fishing and skiing with the family.  Always ready to repair, build or tweak – a car, an RV, a boat, a porch, a boat house – anything!  He valued respect, hard work and good manners which he demonstrated daily to his children and, later, grandchildren.

Jerry began working on the docks with his father at the age of 5, filling net needles, mending fishing nets and making trawls.  He was a man of many talents, who grew a marine supply business based on these childhood skills and his brilliant mathematic abilities.  His corporation, Fisherman's Supply Company, served the Aransas Pass shrimp fleet and the shrimping community from Key West to Brownsville for more than five decades.  His colleagues remember him not only for his professional acumen but also for his friendship and generosity.  He was always willing to help his colleagues on the waterfront.  He enjoyed teaching his children and even his grandchildren the ropes.  All enjoyed working alongside of him at "the dock".

Jerry leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and integrity that will continue to inspire all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Marless Cain Cross, children, Bambi Cross (Roger) Lang, Gerald Anthony (Teresa) Cross II, James Robert (Jana) Cross and Monica Cross (Bradley) Holmes;  grandchildren Ryan ( Sarah) Kiefer and their children Havyn, Caleb and Micah; Gerald Anthony (Melissa) Cross III and their children Luke and Elijah; Brandon (Ashley) Henson and their children Shane, Averie, Tori and Colette;  Lance (Elisabeth) Cross; Jody (Ashley) Henson and their children Mickey and Marley; Colby (Megan) Cross; Corey (Amanda) Henson and their children Payton, Paisley, Presley and Paxton; Caleb (Amy) Holmes and their children Carsyn and Jensen; Tyler (Christine) Cross and their son Tripp;  Connor (Mary) Cross; Cole (Alyssa) Holmes and their son Ryder;  and Cade Holmes, and dear friends Nancy Hallam and Debbie Whitley, trouble making friend Carol Duncan and supportive friend, Wesley Rogers, who will all forever cherish the memories they shared with him.

Jerry was a man of deep faith, whose spirituality guided him through life's triumphs and tribulations. He was a founding member of St. Francis Mission in Sandia, Texas where his hard work, dedication, compassion and generosity touched the lives of many.

A funeral service to celebrate Jerry's life will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024 with Visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. the holy rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Orange Grove, Texas.
A reception will follow in the church Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice, in honor of Jerry's memory.

Though Jerry may no longer walk among us, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by God's love.