Dear Ruby and Family,
I did not know about Howard's passing until today. I remember the first time I met Howard. After he retired from the school system, Howard came by Open Door Ministries and asked about volunteer opportunities. I was the Day Shift Kitchen Manager at that time. We worked out some days, times, and opportunities for him to volunteer.  He picked up at the Food Lions for us 4 days a week. I feel my life was so blessed having met him and working with him for about 12 yrs. 
His love for God and for his family showed in his every day life. Ruby he loved you so much . He beamed with the accomplishments of you children and bragged --his whole face would light up talking about you grandchildren.
He was a wonderful man. I am glad we were able to keep in touch even after leaving Open Door. And Howard being Howard became a supporter of a food pantry I manage at our church.
Again, I feel blessed having known Howard Cross.
Dean Jordan

I only have wonderful memories of Mr. Cross!  He was one of the most genuine/ caring  people I have ever met.  My first memory of Mr. Cross was  in the 6th grade when I transferred to Guilford Elem.  He took extra time out of his day to talk with me and make my transfer more bearable.  He was an amazing principal to many!

I remember Mr. Cross as a dedicated educator, lover of his students, and his fellowman. When he was a principal, I worked with him as a media supervisor and then as a co-worker when he became assistant superintendent. He was a good man and I ask God to comfort his family in their grief and in the days to follow.

Mr. Cross was my principal at Guilford School from fourth to eighth grades. He was a decent man, a standup kind of guy and I'm lucky and blessed to have known him. 

Nancy Crutchfield McCleary
Former Student

Mr. Cross was my principal at Guilford Elementary and Junior High.  We were his first class (1968) that he was principal for throughout our early years.  I adored that man!  I still do!  When my class went to high school he told me to make sure and invite him to our high school graduation….and I did!  He came and made a point to find me in the crowd!  I still have the picture my dad took of us.  I invited him to both of my college graduations.  He came to my UNCG graduation.  Never has there been a man so gentle and kind, yet able to somehow lead a school full of kids aged 6-15! He was such a great role model for all of us and so many others!  A great man!  A great leader! A great friend!  Thank you for leading so many of us to become successful adults and hopefully good role models.  

Working with and for Howard was wonderful. He was always willing to listen and was always fair. My sincere condolences to all of his family. 

Howard Cross was my principal at Guilford Junior High from 1971 to 1974.  He was like a second father to me.  He trusted, challenged, and inspired me.  As an educator myself now, I have often thought about Mr. Cross and what he meant to me.  I am so lucky that our paths crossed back in the early 70’s.  He left his heart print on me, and I will forever be grateful.  

Mr. Cross was my Principal at Guilford Middle School.  He was a truly loving and caring man.  After all these years, he still remembered me when I talked with him in September.
He was also my husband's Asst. Principal at NE Guilford High before coming to Guilford.
A well thought of man who was dedicated to his students.
Prayers for the family.  I know he will be missed.

Mr. Cross was my principal from 1st grade through 8th. He always had an open door policy and he let me help with all kinds of projects around the school. I guess you could say I was the principal 's pet! Later when I began my teaching career he would come to visit my classroom.  I last saw him at a Western Guilford Reunion.  I will miss him terribly!

He was the best principal.   He really cared about his students.   Our dog used to come to the school.  If he found Dandy before Dandy found us he would put him in the fence where we kept our bikes. Mr Cross would then let my sister and I know that "little Sheek" was there, so we could 
get him before we left school. 

Mr. Cross was an outstanding educator!  As principal of Guilford Middle, he guided my son in the right direction after a conflict with one of the teachers.  He even took on teaching my son Kevin .  Outstanding concern for each of his students.  He asked me if I wanted a normal son with common sense or an A+ student with no common sense.  Thank you Mr. Cross!  We always admired you in so many ways!  You will never be forgotten and your accomplishments were great.  Thank you, Sir!

I’m thankful to have had Mr. Cross as Principal at Guilford around 1970. During my school years there, he made a huge positive difference. He was a man of integrity who genuinely cared about his students. Rest high, Mr. Cross. Condolences to your family.

Mr Cross was my principal at Guilford Middle School and later I got the pleasure of working with him on school projects when he moved into the administration.  I remember him as a man of great integrity and honesty. A life well lived and know he influenced many in a positive way. My condolences to the family and all his friends. 

OBITUARY

Charles Howard Cross

31 May, 1934 – 7 November, 2021

Sechrest-Davis Funerals and Cremations

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