W. H. "Finn" Cross

W. H. "Finn" Cross, age 92, of 1776 Third District Road, Unadilla, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 27, 1929, in Unadilla to the late Charlton L. Cross and Mattie Lou Nelson Cross.  His early years were spent hunting, fishing and having adventures, and it was these adventures that earned him the nickname, "Finn," for Huckleberry Finn.  He then started farming, growing his first crop at the age of 18 with his father.  When his brother, Bud returned from military service, they began to farm full-time together.  He continued farming until the age of 91, and took great pleasure in working alongside his sons, nephews, great nephews and grandsons, passing along his love, knowledge and tremendous work ethic.  He was always thankful for the many faithful and dedicated men that worked with him over the years, helping make his vision for the farm a reality.  Over his long tenure as a farmer, he won several farming awards, including the "Highest Cotton Yield" award for Pulaski County in 1976 and the "Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmer of the Year" in 2014.

Mr. Cross used his deep faith in God to guide him in life and in farming.  He believed if he was a good steward of the land, worked hard and trusted in God, then God would do the rest.  To practice his faith, he was a member of Harmony Baptist Church for 74 years and attended the Men's Sunday School Class and served as a Deacon.

When he wasn't doing actual farm work, he could be found with his family, hunting, fishing or taking the great grandkids to see his beloved cows.  In his later years, you might find him watch ole Matt Dillon or Walker, Texas Ranger save the day.

Survivors include:
Children:
William Cross (Donna) of Unadilla
Patricia C. Williams (Joe) of Pinehurst
Kay C. Williams of Indian Shores, FL
Royce Cross (Tammy) of Pineview

Grandchildren:  
Amy Ryle (Vern)
Melissa Wood (Jordan)
Jared Cross (Kelli)
Lindsey Cross
Jenna Smith (Jared)
Blake Williams
Jennifer Guest (Logan)
Kirk Peaster (Brandi)

Great Grandchildren:  15

He was preceded in death  by his loving wife of 67 years, Helen Dupree Cross, his daughter-in-law, Susan C. Cross, his son-in-law, Robert D. Williams and his siblings, C. V. "Bud" Cross, Marvis Cross Benson and Madine Cross Hudson.

Funeral services will be at 11 AM Saturday, May 1 in Harmony Baptist Church with interment in Harmony-Smyrna Cemetery.  Rev. Joe Daniel, Rev. Joe Hughes and Rev. Mike Peavy will officiate. For those who are unable to be seated in the church, you may listen to the service in the church parking lot by tuning your car radio to FM 87.9.

The family may be contacted at 1776 Third District Road, Unadilla.

The family requests memorial gifts be made to the Harmony-Smyrna Cemetery Fund, c/o Tammy Cross, 2194 Vienna Highway, Pineview, Georgia 31071 or the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-7023.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his dedicated caregivers, Nette Little, Sue James, Patricia Erwin, Lorna Patrick and the staff of Kindred Hospice.

Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Unadilla has charge of arrangements.

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