George William Cross, age 61, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family in Delta, Utah, on March 2, 2013. George departed after a difficult, but valiant battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). George was born July 26, 1951, in Oneida, Tennessee, to Herbert Alden Cross and Ruby Francis Phillips Cross. He was the second of five children; older brother Bob and younger siblings Herb, Marilyn, and Chuck. George graduated from Oneida High School in 1969. After graduation he attended Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee. He then enlisted in the Navy and served eight years. George spent most of his enlistment assigned to a nuclear submarine, the USS Daniel Boone SSBN 629. While waiting for an opening in the nuclear power school, he served five months on the destroyer escort, DE 1025 USS Bauer. He received an honorable discharge as a Petty Officer First Class in 1978. George worked as an engineer for Combustion Engineering in Hartford, Connecticut. He taught for a year at Memphis State University. He then spent three years at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant in Seabrook, New Hampshire.
After finding a Book of Mormon in a garbage can, George was inspired to investigate further. At age 28, George was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He remained an active member the rest of his life. He had many different callings within the Church and did his personal best within his callings.
In 1983, George began working for IPSC. He began as an instructor and worked his way to Chief Operating Officer. George married Debra Jane Rasmussen in 1978. They were sealed in the Provo Temple. They had five children together – Sarah Brooke, Tyler Blaine, Erin Jane, Hayley Marie, and Cade Alden. George and Debra later divorced. George married Sheila Junean Losee in 2005. They were sealed in the Manti LDS Temple. George enjoyed an active life. He loved playing racquetball, practicing karate, playing and coaching softball, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The gift of grandchildren was one of his great joys and he was a wonderful grandpa to them. George was on a never ending quest to further his education and knowledge.
George is preceded in death by his sister: Marilyn Cross. George is survived by his wife: Sheila, of Delta, Utah; children: Sarah Cross of Delta, Utah; Tyler (Lindsey) Cross of Chicago, Illinois; Erin (Trevor) Jones of Cedar City, Utah; Hayley (Zachary) Stevens of Clearfield, Utah; and Cade (Brittany) Cross of Roswell, New Mexico; Step-children: Ashley (Shaun) Evans, Delta, Utah; Christopher Allen Ogden, Utah; Amanda Allen, Salt Lake City, Utah; Shantel (Rick) Manis, Delta, Utah: Brandon Bronson, Salt Lake City, Utah: Sharee Mitchell, Salt Lake City, Utah.
'I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.' - Leo Buscaglia
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 5, at 1:00 pm, at the Delta LDS Stake Center. Friends may call Monday evening at the Stake Center, from 6:00-7:30 pm; and Tuesday morning, 11:30-12:40 pm, prior to the service. Burial will be in the Delta City Cemetery.