Jerry Don Cross, 82, of Robinson, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 29, 2026, in Waco, surrounded by the family he dearly loved.

Jerry was born on July 21, 1943, in Wisconsin to Jarrell and Celestine Cross. He spent his early years in Temple and graduated from Temple High School. It was in that same neighborhood that he met the love of his life, the girl next door, Nancy Marie Ledger. What began as two neighbors going on a bike ride around their Temple neighborhood turned into a beautiful love story that spanned 63 years. Jerry and Nancy were married on September 17, 1962, and together they built a life marked by devotion, faith, and family.

In their early years, Jerry and Nancy enjoyed going dancing with friends and spending time together in a local bowling league. In 1968, they moved from Temple to South Waco, and in 1978 they settled in Robinson, a community where they could put down roots and raise their children.

Jerry was known for a strong work ethic that was both praised and respected by everyone who knew him. He worked at A.O. Smith and then General Tire Company for 17 years. His last stop was at M&M Mars, where he eventually retired. No matter the job, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family.

Jerry’s greatest joy was his family, and he poured his energy into creating special memories with them. He built a backstop in the front yard so his kids and grandkids’baseball teams could practice. Friends and neighbors often said they had their own ballpark, complete with bases and concessions—everything but the lights. One of the family’s most cherished traditions was the annual dove hunt at the farm. Jerry planned and hosted the weekend every year, and it quickly became an event no one wanted to miss.

Jerry found great comfort and joy in his faith and was a devoted attendee of CrossRoads Fellowship Church. He cherished the fellowship, friendships, and sense of community he found there. One of his favorite parts of attending services was watching Thumper play the drums during worship, something he always enjoyed and looked forward to. Jerry was also a proud member of the Waco Masonic Lodge for many years, where he valued the brotherhood, traditions, and lifelong friendships he developed through his membership.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Jarrell and Celestine Cross; his brother, Jim Cross; and his beloved daughter, Angela Dawn Cross Kelley.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; his oldest son, Bryan, and wife, Darla; and his youngest son, Justin, and his wife, Felicia.

Jerry was especially proud of his grandchildren: Dalton Kelley and Tanner Kelley; Kamber Kelley Thompson and husband Ricky. Zach Cross and wife, Molly; Ty

Cross and wife, Lauren; Abbe Cross Barnett and her husband, Andrew. Jarrell Cross and Cheyenne Gregory. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Clyde, Clark, Caroline, Carter, Charli June, plus one more on the way.

Jerry will be remembered as a hardworking, faithful Christian man whose love for his family, his church, and his community was evident in all he did. His legacy lives on in the stories shared, the traditions continued, and the lives of those who were blessed to know him.

Services will be 11:30am, Thursday, June 4th at Grace Gardens Funeral, a time of visitation with the family will begin at 10:30am. A burial will follow at Robinson Cemetery.

Pallbearers are his grandsons: Dalton Kelley, Tanner Kelley, Ricky Thompson, Jarrell Cross, Zach Cross, Ty Cross, and Andrew Barnett.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to CrossRoads Fellowship Church in Jerry’s honor.