Robert Louis Cross

Bob was born on February 29, 1932 in Wilsonville, Alabama to Mildred and Alonzo William “AW” Cross. He was a 1951 graduate of Gadsden High School, after which he enlisted in the United States Navy. Bob was stationed at Norfolk Naval Station and served on the USS Midway during the Korean War. In 1954, upon completion of his military service, he attended Jacksonville State University.

Bob began his civilian career as a home builder with his long time business partner, JP Carter. In 1959, Bob and JP shifted their building expertise to skating rinks. For over 40 years, with his wife by his side, Bob built and managed several skating rinks and assisted with the construction of numerous others. At the time of his retirement in 2000, Bob owned and operated Merry Go Round Skate Center in Gadsden; Skate Country in Anniston, and Sunshine Skate Center in Oxford.

He was recognized as a pioneer in the skating rink industry by the Roller Skating Association. Bob was a 50 year member of the Glencoe Masonic Lodge #846 and attended Calvary Baptist Church. Bob was loved and respected by all who knew him in his work and community involvements. In his free time, Bob enjoyed gardening, golf, Alabama football and spending time with his granddaughters.

Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Madeline Regina Richard Cross; two sons: Dr. Richard Clark Cross (Jennifer) and John Andrew Cross (Dennis Day); a sister, Mary Cross Lancaster Hagood; and three beautiful granddaughters: Bevan Clark Cross, Ansley Ruth Cross and Hadley Hess Cross.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Mildred Clark Cross and Alonzo William “AW” Cross and brothers John William Cross and Jimmy Milton Cross.

A visitation will be held from 10-11:00 am on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Collier-Butler Funeral Home in Gadsden, Alabama with a funeral service at 11:00 am and burial to follow at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Clark Cross, John Cross, Burt Lancaster, Bruce Lancaster, Brad Lancaster and Tommy Richard with Tim Richard serving as an honorary pallbearer.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Cross family.