William Sherman "Bill" Cross, Jr., of Dixon, was born on September 8, 1926, at Crocker, a son of William Sherman, Sr. and Jewell Lorraine (Null) Cross and departed this life at 4:15 a.m., Monday, November 12, 2012. Mr. Cross had been in failing health and had attained the age of 86 years, 2 months and 4 days.

Mr. Cross was united in marriage on May 14, 1947, at Dixon, to Ina Maxine Goodman and to this union, one child was born. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Larry Cross, Jackie Cross, Pierce Cross and Bennie Cross.

Mr. Cross was a United States Navy veteran and a member of the Hancock Christian Church. He was owner and operator of Cross Oil Company, Cross Travel Liner and Bill Cross Enterprises.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Cross include: his wife, Maxine Cross, of the home near Dixon; one son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Glenda Cross, Rolla; two grandchildren, Tracey Bechtel, Jefferson City and Tim Cross and wife, Sandra, Dixon; four great-grandchildren, Brianne and Brendan Bechtel and Jacob and Mackenzie Cross; three brothers, Bob Cross, Dixon; Frank Cross, state of Michigan and Raymond Cross, Newburg; two sisters, Bonnie Ferry, state of California and Sharon Kleffner, Brinktown; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Mr. Cross at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 14, 2012, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Dixon, with Pastor Gary Day, Hancock Christian Church, and Bro. Don Arnold, state of Illinois, officiating. Sherry Hathaway sang "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" for the service.

Interment with full military honors was in the Seaton Cemetery, near Dixon, under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Dixon. Pallbearers for Mr. Cross were Richard Best, Charles Bassett, Curtis Warner, Jason Eskridge, Ralicia Feuerborn, and Jonny Fariole. Honorary pallbearers were Timothy Cross, Tracey Bechtel, Charles Sherrell, and Neil Poynter.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hancock Christian Church with envelopes available at the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home, Dixon.