Richard (Rick) H. Cross, age 71, of Maple Hill, NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 4, 2016. Rick was born on October 7, 1944 in Bayshore, Long Island to Robert and Emily (Hurlbut) Cross. His life legacy continues on through his loving wife, of 49 years, Linda (Needham) Cross of Maple Hill, NC, and his 4 children and their families; Tim Cross, fiancé Laura and grandson Dylan Cross, of Myrtle Beach, SC; Michal Hovak and her husband Adam and grandchildren Aiden and Madelyn of New Hartford, NY; Nathan Cross and his wife Laura and grandchildren Rachel, Matthew, Daniel and Brenden Richard of Maple Hill, NC; and Jason Cross of Maple Hill, NC. He is also survived by his siblings Robert (Linda) Cross Jr; Allen Cross; Maggie (Jeff) Mattice; Dorothy (Gus) Mueller; Gardner (Kim) Cross and brother in-law Al Needham.
A graduate from Cobleskill High School in 1962, Rick met the love of his life Linda Needham while attending SUNY Oneonta where he received his BS in Geology in 1970. He and Linda married on August 27, 1966 after Rick’s honorable return from the US Army in 1966. They settled and raised their family in Sloansville, NY until 2010 when they relocated to Maple Hill, NC.
Rick was known both personally and professionally for his quiet strength, integrity, honesty, professionalism and forthrightness. His sense of humor brought life to any situation. He is remembered by his children for his love and encouragement to achieve anything. He fostered the love of learning, inquisitive minds and to think things through while questioning everything. He always said there are “no stupid questions”. He loved being outdoors and using his numerous “big boy toys” to further improve his properties. He passed on this love of the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. He was also known for his strong faith in God and his strong ties with Christian Community Church of Richlands, NC, Rock Road Chapel of Berne, NY and Schoharie Valley Gospel Church of Sloansville, NY. He lived by his favorite scripture verses, Proverbs 3:5-6.
Rick had a long work history, with the New York State DOT and the NYS Thruway as a geologist. After his retirement in 1999 he continued working as a consultant for Golder Associates traveling all over the country. Rick was known for several publications and his association with the Highway Geological Symposium.
His family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support in many heart-felt forms from his extended family at Christian Community Church and too many other people to name individually. They appreciate your visits, hugs, meals and particularly your prayers.
A memorial and celebration of Rick’s life will be held at Christian Community Church, 732 Nine Mile Rd, Richlands, NC on July 16, 2016 at 11:00 AM. A second celebration will be held at Rock Road Chapel, 96 Rock Rd, Berne, NY on September 3, 2016 @1:00 PM.
Rick made several mission trips to Haiti and had developed a deep love for the people of Haiti. On his last visit he helped build a school in the town of Thomazaux. In lieu of flowers his family asks that donations be made the Thomazaux Center for the Needy of Haiti, in care of Christian Community Church, 732 Nine Mile Rd, Richlands, NC 28574. Arrangements are in the care of Coastal Cremations. Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on "Share a Memory."
11 Comments
Rick was a man of integrity. As Bishop, pastor, mentor, father, friend, leader, he has left a legacy few will be able to match. He was used by the Holy Spirit in wisdom and compassion. As a Christ-follower, he embodied the gospel and lived to share it with many. His gifts were undergirded by his faithful and equally dedicated wife, Linda.
My heartfelt sorrow at your loss cannot be expressed for all the ways Rick and Linda impacted my physical and spiritual life and the life of my children!
In Love,
Marian Murray Perron
a dear friend and brother in the lord we had many wonderful chats fellowship at dinners went through many things together you and linda and I had many laughs you were a great man of godyou prayed for us all you had words of wisdom amd comfort for us you will be deeply missed my brother I loved our meals and fellowship at your home here in sloansville
thank god for you and all your love and careing you give my family and help in times of need
Mr. Cross is one of the best men that I have had the privilege of meeting! I’m not going to lie, he was a bit big and scary at first, but as soon as he started talking there was always a softness that was tremendously comforting. That’s just one of the many reasons that you could ask him pretty much anything. He was always wise, and you could not refuse to laugh with him. What a privilege and honor I’ve had of meeting such a wonderful, amazing, wise, tender hearted giant….. Man, I mean man. I know he will be greatly missed by many.
Sending many prayers to all of you and tons of warm hugs from New York. With Lots of love :heart::heart::heart::heart:
knew Rick a little while! would like to him and Ms. Linda a little better. he will be missed. He and Ms.Linda were a big help to me and my wife when I had my bout with cancer. Rich and Ms. Linda was there with prayer and encouragement with the word of GOD. I know he with JESUS now We will see him there one day soon!!!!!! ! Rev.John and Sis Linda Powell
knew Rick a little while! would like to him and Ms. Linda a little better. he will be missed. He and Ms.Linda were a big help to me and my wife when I had my bout with cancer. Rich and Ms. Linda was there with prayer and encouragement with the word of GOD. I know he with JESUS now We will see him there one day soon!!!!!! ! Rev.John and Sis Linda Powell
knew Rick a little while! would like to him and Ms. Linda a little better. he will be missed. He and Ms.Linda were a big help to me and my wife when I had my bout with cancer. Rich and Ms. Linda was there with prayer and encouragement with the word of GOD. I know he with JESUS now We will see him there one day soon!!!!!! ! Rev.John and Sis Linda Powell
knew Rick a little while! would like to him and Ms. Linda a little better. he will be missed. He and Ms.Linda were a big help to me and my wife when I had my bout with cancer. Rich and Ms. Linda was there with prayer and encouragement with the word of GOD. I know he with JESUS now We will see him there one day soon!!!!!! ! Rev.John and Sis Linda Powell
knew Rick a little while! would like to him and Ms. Linda a little better. he will be missed. He and Ms.Linda were a big help to me and my wife when I had my bout with cancer. Rich and Ms. Linda was there with prayer and encouragement with the word of GOD. I know he with JESUS now We will see him there one day soon!!!!!! ! Rev.John and Sis Linda Powell
Love and comfort to Linda, Shelly and all; Blessings to all who love Rick.
Our condolences and prayers are with Linda and family at this time. Linda, I did not know Richard like others but only by meeting him at our reunions with you. From what I am reading about him he was a wonderful and very spiritual and God filled man who did much good in his life. Our prayers are for him as he rests in peace with God and with you and your family at this time.
God will be with you and continue to bless you!
Ned & Claire Juengst
I am just hearing about my old friends passing. I am very grateful to have met Rick and have many fond memories of him. Linda, I miss seeing you and your family. Know that I will lift you up in prayer. May God continue to Bless you. Murph
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