Bill J. Cross

Graveside services for Bill J. Cross, 84, of Canadian, TX will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 8, 2013 at Llano Cemetery in Amarillo, TX with Rev. Danny Sanders, officiating. Services are under the direction of Hughs Funeral Home of Canadian, TX. Bill passed away Friday, July 5, 2013 in Canadian, TX. Bill was born May 3, 1929 in Fry, TX to the late Mr. James C. Cross and Mrs. Florence (Adams) Cross. His parents passed away at an early age and was raised by Vance and Laverne Stickley. He was a 1947 graduate of Canadian High School and went on to play college football at West Texas State University where he graduated in 1951. After graduating college he played three seasons with the Chicago Cardinals of the NFL from 1951 to 1953. He then went on to play one year in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts. He married Joyce Bybee on May 23, 1972 in Shattuck, OK. Bill was a teacher for the Canadian Independent School District from 1968 to 1989. He was a member of the Canadian Masonic Lodge #855 and the First United Methodist Church. In honor of his many football accomplishments and numerous hall of fame inductions he was recognized with a bronze statue erected in his honor at Wildcat Stadium in Canadian, TX in 2012. He was preceded in death by his son, Joe Cross; his brother, James Cross; his sister, Laura Cross and his cousin, Pat Hill which he thought of as a sister. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Cross of Canadian, TX; his son, Steve Cross and wife Jeanne of Amarillo, TX; his daughters, Sue Garza and husband Israel of Highland Village, TX; Neysia Wilson and husband Robert of Iowa Park, TX; Cynthia Donnell and husband Greg of Canyon, TX; 8 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials to Hemphill County Hospice, 1020 South 4th St., Canadian, TX 79014.