Robert Cross

Robert Miller "Windy" Cross KINGSPORT, Tenn. Robert Miller "Windy" Cross, 85, passed away Thursday, April 8, 2010. Mr. Cross was born on June 12, 1924, in Kingsport. He graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School and attended the University of Georgia, University of South Carolina, UT-Martin before graduating from East Tennessee State University. While at ETSU, he helped form and was a member of the first ETSU golf team. He served his country as a distinguished Navy pilot in both World War II and the Korean War. At the end of the war, Mr. Cross achieved the rank of lieutenant commander serving as a flight instructor at Pensacola Naval Air Station. Following his service career, Mr. Cross became a professional golfer playing on the PGA tour from 1954-1956 and was the head golf professional at Bristol Country Club before resuming his career as a tour professional from 1967-1969. He then enjoyed a successful career working for EJ Smith and Sons selling golf equipment throughout the southeast. Upon his retirement, Mr. Cross cherished giving golf lessons around the Tri-Cities area. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nelle Ring Cross; parents, E.M. Cross Sr. and Mamie Othella Mottern Cross; and brothers, E.M. Cross Jr. and Harold Cross. Mr. Cross is survived by his son, Bart Cross and daughter-in-law, Kim Cross; grandchildren, Hunter and Cooper Cross. A memorial service will be held at Hamlet-Dobson Funeral Home Thursday, April 15, 2010, at 11 a.m. with The Rev. William Gipe officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tennessee Golf Foundation, 400 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069, (make checks payable to Tennessee Junior Golf Foundation); or to the church of one's choice. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave on-line condolences for the family. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport, is serving the family of Robert Miller Cross.