Rev. William Arthur Cross, Sr.

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William Arthur Cross, Sr., affectionately known as Pops, Pedro, and Pistol Pete, was called home to be with the Lord on September 17, 2024. Born on March 17, 1951, in Meridian, Mississippi, to the late Paralee Cross Thomas and Elijah Cecil Cross, Sr., he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and mentor.

William attended Southside High School in Heidelberg, MS, where he excelled as a student, athlete, and musician, a passion nurtured by his parents. He honorably served in the United States Navy (Special Forces) from 1969 to 1978, earning numerous prestigious awards, including the Purple Heart.

He pursued higher education, earning a business degree from Howard University in Washington, DC, and later attended St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC, for Biblical Studies. Professionally, William worked alongside Colin Powell at The Pentagon, traveled globally as an Engineer, and contributed to the growth of Federal Express through the invention of ZapMail.

For twenty-one blooming years, William and Marie shared a bond that was as much about friendship as it was about love. Their connection was evident to everyone who knew them. She was his joy, the light in his eyes, and the one who held an irreplaceable place in his heart, the water to his garden. Together they navigated life as true companions, a bond to be forever cherished.

Ordained as a minister of the Gospel in 2002, he served in various ministries and was known as the “Pastor” of his community. He also served as an adjunct professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC and, in 2007, founded Inspirational Bible Ministries with his wife, Marie.

Introduced to golf by his father-in-law, the late James L. Giles, Sr., William became highly skilled and connected with professional players. He was a servant leader, visionary, and entrepreneur, mentoring veterans with PTSD and earning the nickname the “Black Bionic Man.” For three years, he co-hosted the segment “Iron Sharpens Iron” on the radio station, encouraging men on the principle of accountability and being grounded in Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Giles Cross; daughters, Tarra Cross, Xaviar Cross Hadley (Glenn), and Sabrina Smith McKee; sons, William Cross II (Misty), Benjamin Cross, Gabriel Smith, and David Smith; sister, Frances Cross Ashley (Darek); brothers, Gerald L. Cross and Elijah Cecil Cross, Jr. (Sheryl); six grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Public Viewing: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Lea Funeral Home, 2500 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC.

Funeral Service:  11:00 AM, Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Antioch Bible Fellowship, 2701 Holloway Road, Raleigh, NC.

Visitation: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, preceding the service in the Church.  

Interment:  Eastern Carolina State Veterans, Goldsboro, NC.

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