Billy Joe Cross

1931 - 2016

Billy Joe Cross

Jackson

Billy Joe Cross, 85, of Jackson, MS, went home to be with the Lord on October 2, 2016.

Billy Joe was born on October 23, 1931 and was a native of Meridian, Mississippi. He attended Meridian High School and was a standout on the basketball court as well as in the classroom. Upon graduating from Meridian High School, he attended East Mississippi Community College on a basketball and tennis scholarship. Cross ended his tenure at EMCC as president of the student body. It was at Mississippi College where Cross finished his education and completed his Master's degree in education, combined science. Cross also worked towards a Master's degree in wildlife sciences at Mississippi State University.

As a former teacher and coach, Cross left his trademark character on the campuses of Hinds Community College, Holmes Community College and Mississippi College where he taught ornithology. In 1964, Cross was elected to the House of Representatives as the State Representative for Warren County. While in office, Cross served on the Game and Fish Committee. Additionally, he served as a chemist for Spencer Chemical Company of Vicksburg for four years.

Cross was a leader in wildlife conservation and served as executive director of the Mississippi Game & Fish Commission. He was later appointed to the Commission Board by Governor Cliff Finch. While Director of the Commission Board, Cross worked with members of the legislature to streamline the Commission from eleven members to seven, implemented testing and standards for hiring state conservation officers and also worked with state and local leaders in getting the first state Museum of Natural Science constructed in Jackson. After serving on the Commission Board, Cross was appointed Regional Director for Ducks Unlimited. He was later promoted to Marsh Coordinator for fourteen states and later served as Director of Field Operations for the Southern Region.

Billy Joe was a frequent fundraiser for East Mississippi Community College, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The Heart Association, Hinds Community College and Mississippi College. His efforts assisted in raising over 2.5 million dollars over a 15-year period. Billy Joe and his wife, Robbie Bratcher Cross were married in 1990 and were long-time active members of Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson. Cross served as a food columnist for Ducks Unlimited magazine, was the author of seven cookbooks and editor of three additional cookbooks. Billy Joe and Robbie loved most to cook and entertain their family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Joe Cross, and his wife,Gertrude; his mother, Eula Mae Cross Meyer and her husband, Mattimore, a brother, Donald Cross, an infant sister, Willie Mae Cross; and a sister in law , Delphy Cross. He was survived by a brother, Terry Cross of Meridian, MS; four sisters, Frances Scitzs (Bobby) of Meridian, MS, Sharon Gibson (Richard) of Meridian MS, Doris Cross of Crystal Lake, IL and Karla Graham (Charles) of Jackson MS, and a sister in law, Frances Cross of Long Beach, MS, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his wife, Robbie Bratcher Cross, and Ladd and Sheila Bratcher, Dr. Kenneth and Cheryl Jeanes and grandchildren : Kindal Lutken (Chris) , Dr. Kelly Wilkinson (Louis) , Callie Beukinga (Gabe) , Olivia Bratcher and Wesley Pinson.

Services will be held at Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson on Thursday, October 6th at 12:00 with visitation before beginning at 10:00. Following the services, a graveside funeral will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northminster Baptist Church, Ducks Unlimited, Mississippi College or a charity of your choosing.