Moses Lee Cross Sr.

Approximately 75 years ago, on February 9, 1950, the world was graced with the presence of Moses Lee Cross, Jr..-a man who would go on to be known simply (and affectionately) as "Duck." He was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Cross, Sr. Now, where did that nickname come from? Well, we can thank his older brother, Oscar "Pap," for that one. And if you knew Duck even a little bit, you knew two things for sure: he loved his family with all his heart, and he was always good for a laugh (whether intentional or not).
Moses Lee Cross, Sr. found his way to Christ at an early age and never looked back-becoming a faithful member of Saint Matthew Baptist Church. He was so dedicated, they went ahead and made him a deacon on July 11, 2010-because when you're that committed, you might as well make it official!
Duck's devotion to family started early as well. While attending Lee Training School and East Baker Middle School, he and his brothers had a unique "attendance plan"-they alternated days at school so one of them could stay home and take care of the younger siblings. That's love right there. But Duck's family dedication didn't stop with his siblings; it carried through his entire life, most notably in the creative nicknames he gave everyone. If Duck named you, it stuck.
Now, fate has a funny way of working, and little did he know that just three days before he was born, his future wife, Louise Givens, had entered the world. He never let her forget it, frequently reminding her that she should be proud to have married a younger man. After all, he was a whole three days younger! On February 6, 1970, he made her his wife, and for 55 years, they built a life full of laughter, love, and a whole lot of BBQ.
When it came to work, Duck did it all. After quitting school to help support his family, he started working on a farm with his father, then later moved on to General Tire before becoming a diesel mechanic at Interstate Truck Leasing. But why stop there? He dabbled in truck driving, motorcycle racing, welding, and-most importantly-BBQ grill-making. If you ever ate at one of his legendary cookouts, you know that man could put his foot in some food. And let's not forget his side hustle as a DJ at the Elks Lodge. If Duck was on the turntables, you knew it was going to be a good time. And if somebody got out of line? Well, Duck could shut it down just as fast as he started it.
Now, Duck wasn't just known for what he did-he was known for what he said. He had a way with words, and his sayings were pure gold. The sun? That was "Big Red." Going to work? That was "Catching that Mule." And let's not even get started on his description of stomach troubles-if you had diarrhea, you had "the quick step." But one of his most famous lines was reserved for food: "It's so good, it'll make a bulldog kiss a hound." And if you ever saw a bulldog and a hound getting a little too friendly, you knew Duck's meal had to be top-tier. One of his most unforgettable moments was walking his daughter down the aisle and, in a nervous slip of the tongue, responding to the pastor's question, "Who gives this bride away?" with the now-legendary words: "My Moma, her Moma!"-a memory that still brings laughter to all who knew him.
Duck leaves behind a family that will carry on his humor, his love, and his legendary BBQ skills. He was a devoted father to Leonard Jerome Wright (Kathleen), Avikki Tolisa Monts (Donald), Amonika Michelle Means (Gregory), Diane Jefferson Hightower (Reginald), Moses Lee Cross Jr. (Veronica), and Tameka Deshawn Green. His legacy lives on through his 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and countless friends and family members who will forever share his stories. He is also survived by his siblings Mary Carr, Darenda Thompson (Tony), Ramona Parker (Russell), Walter B. Cross (Charlie Mae), Lucy Kate Mims, and Revirginia Robinson (James), and joins in eternal rest his parents Oscar Cross, Jr. and Mary Cross; brothers Oscar Cross III, Rosell Cross Sr. (wife Shirley), Asberry "Pete" Cross, Lawyer Cross, Charles Cross, and Alonzo Cross; and his daughter Tameka Deshawn Green.
While we may no longer hear his voice calling out nicknames, tasting his legendary BBQ, or watch him shut down a party at the Elks Lodge, one thing is for certain-Duck's legacy will live on. His was a life well-lived, well-loved, and full of belly laughs.
Rest well, Moses Lee "Duck" Cross, Sr. And if heaven's got a grill, we know you're already in charge of it.