Southern to join the Air Force in January of 1955, where he served as an Airman 2nd Class before receiving honorable discharge in November 1958. John returned to Norfolk Southern Railroad after serving and working as a Maintenance Mechanic and Inspector until retiring in 1993, after 36 years with the company.
John was an avid sportsman and athlete, enjoying competitive golf and bowling for years on the local circuit, bowling five perfect games in his career and being inducted into the Knoxville Bowling Hall of Fame. John was also a professional country dancer and instructor for 20+ years during the 80s and 90s and loved giving lessons and competing in dance competitions at Desperados in Knoxville.
John was preceded in death by his parents Roland C. and Ethel W. Cross; sisters Wilma Brookshire (Stan), Annetta Kirby (Fred), Sue Richards (Lowell), Linda Perry (Lurley), and Shirley Barnard (Ronnie). He is survived by nephews Butch Brookshire, Mike Brookshire and Greg Brookshire; Chris Kirby (Phyllis) and Danny Kirby (Stephanie); Ernie Perry (Michelle); Lowell Richards, Jr. (Nan); and nieces Connie Farris (Larry), Joyce Hopson (Gary), Lisa Breskow (Shawn), Pam Hodge (Chris); Darlene Walker; Kelly Simpson (Stuart); and Teresa Nichols (Greg); and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Bowl-a-bration of Life will be held Friday, February 4th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Strike & Spare Fountain Lanes, 3315 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. Friends and family are invited to stop by, share memories of John, and bowl a frame in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Young-Williams Animal Center.