Walter Ray Cross

Walter Ray Cross, age 57, of Asheboro, NC passed away at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Walter was born in Randolph County to Betty Strider Cross and the late Charles Ray Cross. Walter was a man of strong Christian faith, and was a loving father, devoted son, loyal brother, and caring uncle. Walter was a proud 1986 graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School. He was a member of the school’s FFA and served as president during his junior and senior years. He then attended Haywood Community College to study forestry. 

He began his career with the North Carolina Forest Service in 1988. At the time of his passing, Walter was the longest-serving active member of the Forest Service, with 37 years of commitment to forest management, conservation and wildfire suppression. There is no doubt, Walter Cross has left more footprints across Randolph County than anyone else. The hours spent walking tracts with landowners fueled his passion for spotting and collecting arrowheads.

He later served as the president of the SWR FFA Alumni Association, and he volunteered with the Christian United Outreach Center of Southern Randolph County.

Walter is survived by his children: Charley Jo Cross of Asheboro, Jamey Beth Cross of Raleigh, and Benjamin Lacy Cross of Greensboro, and their mother and his constant friend, Dr. Nancy Cross; mother: Betty Jo Strider; sister: Faye McLeod (Michael); brother: Donald Cross (Christy); nieces and nephews: Matthew, Stephanie, Lucas, Anna, Mason, and their families; and mother-in-law: Ernestine Jones Leonard. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Ray Cross; father-in-law, Wayne Eugene Leonard, Sr.; and grandparents, Lacy Ray and Effie Mae Strider.

There will be a visitation held on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, NC 27205. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Center Cross Baptist Church, 1789 Center Cross Church Road, Asheboro, NC 27205, with the Rev. Keith Newell officiating. Burial will follow in the church Cemetery.

On-line condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.

Pugh Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Walter Ray Cross.