William T. Cross

WILLIAM CROSS Tupelo - William T. "Dub" Cross, 88, died Friday, August 24, 2012, at the Baldwyn Nursing Facility after an extended illness. He was born June 25, 1924 to John Monroe and Sabra Ann Greenlee Cross . In 1942 he graduated from Tupelo High School and then served two years in the U. S. Air Force during World War II. He served in a radar site spotting incoming German planes and guiding American pilots on intercept courses. His war experiences inspired him to study electrical engineering at Mississippi State University. After graduating, he began his career as a rocket scientist, landing his first job with multi-millionaire Howard Hughes' aircraft company. He spent many years working on modern weaponry such as the "Peacekeeper" and the Minuteman strategic missile systems. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he was very involved. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 26, 2012, at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Dr. Gayle Alexander and Rev. Dave Jensen officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Survivors include two sons, Stephen Lee Cross of Dallas, Texas and Michael William Cross of Yorktown, Virginia; two grandchildren, Nichole Cross and Jacob Cross of Yorktown, Virginia; one sister, Jettie Sanders of Tupelo; two nieces, Colene Goggans, Beth Sanders; three nephews, Ray Cross, William Paul Cross and Paul Sanders. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 52 years, Dessie Reedy Cross in 1999; two sisters, Zenie Milstead and Thelma Carmeen; one brother, Dennis Cross. Pallbearers will be Tom Collins, Tommy Collins, Butch Godwin, Jeff Cox, Don Long and Jack McFerrin. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2012 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Tupelo First Baptist Church, 100 North Church St., Tupelo, MS 38804 Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com