Ronald Gary Cross, 64, of Nantahala Community died Thursday, September 26, 2013. He was a graduate of Brevard College and East Carolina University and received his master’s degree from Western Carolina University. He taught for 33 years at Nantahala School and Andrews Middle School and for many of those 33 years, Gary coached basketball. He was a member of the Andrews Masonic Lodge No. 529. He was a former member, deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Briartown Baptist Church. Gary loved his family and friends, but loved God first. He was a gifted storyteller and loved his community and was always ready to lend a helping hand.

He was the son of the late Carl and Anna Jean May Cross.

Surviving are his wife, Janet Kammerer Cross; two daughters, Maggie Brostic and husband, Mark of Cullowhee, NC and Lindsay Bauder and husband, Charlie of Toccoa, GA; a sister, Nancy Solesbee of Andrews; a brother, Donald Cross and fiancé, Denise of Nantahala Community; a nephew, Tim Solesbee and wife, Jennifer; several other well loved nieces, nephews, and in-laws; and several special friends.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Sunday, September 29 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews with the Rev. S.J. Waters officiating. Interment was in Briartown Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers were Sidney May, Hoyt Owenby, Kenneth Solesbee, Rodney Chastain, Joe Barton, and Bill Shields. Honorary pallbearers were JC May, Ed Trask, Rick and Ron Trammell, and Jerry Day.

The family received friends from 12:30-1:45 Sunday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in honor of Ronald Gary Cross to the Nantahala Fire and Rescue, 19036 Wayah Rd., Topton, NC 28781.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.