Chaundré Kristopher Cross, M.D.

On April 8, 1973, Chaundré had a dramatic birth at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. His parents, Marquita Meeks Cross, a concert violinist, and Cartrell James Cross, M.D., agreed that an unusual name was an appropriate way to introduce him to the world. He attended River Oaks Baptist School and Episcopal High School in Houston. He served as the class president, excelled in math and sciences, and was the captain of the football and basketball teams. He completed his collegiate studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, with a major in chemistry, with an emphasis in biochemistry. He was a member of the Northwestern junior varsity basketball travel club team. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas followed by a post-graduate year of training at Dallas Presbyterian Hospital. He completed his post-graduate training in Radiation Oncology at the Harvard Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center and was the Chief Resident during his junior year. This honor is usually reserved for residents in their senior year. In 2004, he left Boston and moved to Naples where he joined 21st Century Oncology as a radiation oncologist. With hard work and dedication to his patients, he developed a successful practice and has been recognized as a prominent radiation oncologist in southwest Florida.

When 21st Century Oncology became a part of GenesisCare, Chaundré continued as a radiation oncologist with GenesisCare. He has served as the President of the Board of the Cancer Alliance of Naples, as the Chairman of the Naples Community Healthcare (NCH) Cancer Committee, and as Chief of Radiation Oncology at NCH. He has been a board member of the American Cancer Society of Naples and the Collier County P.L.A.N. This was a committee formed to improve access to quality healthcare for low income or noninsured adult residents of Collier County.

Chaundré has been a national expert giving presentations on breast and prostate cancer. He has been a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and has served in leadership roles with the Epsilon Nu Boulé. He was an integral part of the award-winning Epsilon Nu Boulé - Florida Gulf Coast University STEM program for high school and college students.

Chaundré's greatest legacy lives on in his three children - Adrian, Jordan, and Lyla. They represent the great attributes of their father and will continue with lives that reflect his wisdom, service, and the sincere love that he bestowed upon them. Their faithful and loving mother is Mary Rhude Cross of Naples. Their adoring grandparents include Cartrell J. Cross, M.D. (Daddy Pa) and Kathy Cross (Kathy) of Zephyrhills, FL, the late Marquita Meeks Cross (Grandmommy Cross) of Naples, FL, the late Lt. Colonel John Rhude (Poppa) and the vibrant Joan Rhude (Grandma) of Rome, NY.

Chaundré is survived by brothers, Cartrell II (Sarah Ann), Chadrick (Jill), Anton, and a sister, Arielle. Adoration by his large family include nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Education has been important in the heritage of Chaundré as demonstrated by his grandparents. His grandmother, Iva Cross, 94 years "young" is a retired elementary school teacher who continues to provide prayers and solace to the family. Chaundré was proud of his late grandparents, Ulysses Cross (Pa Paw), a district school administrator in Houston, TX, the honorable Judge Cordell Meeks and Cellastine Brown Meeks, a concert pianist, of Kansas City, KS.

Hobbies that Chaundré enjoyed included playing and watching basketball, attending the sporting events of his children, playing golf, watching varied sport events, playing chess, singing while driving, and sailing.

On August 10, 2022, Chaundré took out his boat, the "Vitamin Sea", into the Gulf of Mexico and never returned. A soul who had such a positive effect on so many has been lost.

Many friends and associates have been supportive during the time of the family's grief. The family sincerely thanks all for their support, especially Lori, Tandy, Rahel, and Alan.

In celebration and memoriam of Chaundré, contributions to the Cancer Alliance of Naples, the American Cancer Society of Naples, or Epsilon Nu Boulé-FGCU Stem Program would be appreciated.