Elmer Haynes Cross
October 18, 1924 - January 1, 2021
Elmer Haynes Cross, age 96, passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021 in Bristol, TN. He was born in Bristol on October 18, 1924, the sixth child of the late David and Lilly (Leonard) Cross. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Esther (Yokley) Cross; several brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces. Elmer was drafted into the Army at the age of 18. He served in the Army Air Corps in WWII from 1943 to 1945 as a member of the 1227 Military Police Company. He was stationed in England and France during the war. Elmer worked at Valleydale Packers for 30 years. Elmer enjoyed working in his yard, growing beautiful roses, and feeding and building houses for his birds. Elmer was an engaging storyteller, sharing memories growing up in Bristol, hunting, and fishing with his buddies. Elmer was of the stoic generation who accepted the challenges of life with grace, never dwelling on the hard times; rising to the challenges life presented. He was a cancer survivor. For the last five and half years, Elmer endured dialysis three times a week. He displayed great strength and courage. When asked how he was doing, Elmer was always “fine”. Elmer is survived by his sons, Jerry Cross and wife Sharon of Johnson City, TN and Landon Cross and wife Lorraine of Boca Raton, FL; granddaughter, Ashley Cross of Miami, FL; step-grandson, Zachary Adams and wife Laura of Johnson City, TN; brother, Bruce Cross and wife Shirley of Bristol, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Committal services will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 2pm at Susong Cemetery (Walnut Road Bristol, VA 24201) with Pastor Sam Haynes officiating. The family would like to express a special thanks to Marie Smith who for many years assisted in the care of our Father and Mother; Pinkie Harris a good neighbor to our Father for over 60 years; Janice and Mark at Bristol, VA Transit System; the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care in Bristol, TN; and the numerous physicians who cared for him over the years. Online condolences may be made to the Cross family at www.blevinscares.com. Blevins Funeral Home and Cremation services has the honor of serving the Cross family.
Elmer Haynes Cross, age 96, passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021 in Bristol, TN. He was born in Bristol on October 18, 1924, the sixth child of the late David and Lilly (Leonard) Cross. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death... View Obituary & Service Information