John Albert Cross

John Albert Cross – age 87, of Knoxville passed away peacefully Thursday, December
30, 2021. John was born and raised in Knoxville, where he graduated high school
and went to work at Norfolk Southern Railroad. John took a leave from Norfolk
Southern to join the Air Force in January of 1955, where he served as Airman 2 nd
Class before receiving honorable discharge in November 1958. John returned to
Norfolk Southern Railroad after serving and worked 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 80’s and 90’s 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); and 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 Young-
Williams Animal Center.








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