Thomas Cross, Jr.

November 8, 1934 – December 18, 2023

Thomas Miller Cross Jr. (Tommy), of Blountville, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 18, 2023.  Tommy was born November 8, 1934, in Kingsport, Tennessee to T.M. Cross Sr. and Eleanor Caledonia Hall Cross. 

Tommy retired from Supervision with Kingsport Press-Quebecor World after many years of service.  With exception of his very early years, Tommy lived his entire life in the Holston Community on the family farm, Plain View Farm, first settled by his grandfather Hall in the early 1900’s.  He graduated from Holston High School in 1953 where he met his future bride Molly Helen Forbes.  Tommy and Helen were married 52 years until Helen’s death in 2006.

As a young farmer, Tommy was recognized for his accomplishments by Future Farmers of America.  In 2017 he was awarded the honor of Director Emeritus for his many years of dedication and service to the Sullivan County Farm Bureau. For decades, he served the Holston Community as member of Holston Ruritan Club, when is 2005 he was named Holston Ruritan’s Man of The Year.  Well respected and admired in the community, he obtained the unofficial title as Mayor of Muddy Creek.  He was a member of Beulah Baptist Church in Kingsport.  

Tommy was an exceptional caregiver.  He lovingly assisted many family and extended family members through life’s seasons, especially loved ones in their declining years ensuring their needs and wishes were fully met.  He was recognized by Kingsport Press as a Good Samaritan for his part in helping save the life of a young boy suffering a life-threatening situation.  Tommy touched many lives through his compassion and heart for service. 

He would tell you his greatest accomplishment was his family.  Tommy was loving husband to Helen and father to Michael David Cross (Pamela), Thomas Miller Cross III [deceased] (Sonya), Robin Elizabeth Cross Siekerman (Alan), and Beth Ann Cross (Don Goodwin).  He is grandfather to Bryan Cross (Mandy), Duke Moretz, Mackenzie Moretz, James Siekerman, and Allyson Siekerman and great-grandfather to Cooper Cross, Grant Cross, Bodhi Moretz, and Ezra Moretz. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Brother Al South officiating. 

Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 5, 2024 at Gunnings Cemetery, 4851 TN-126, Blountville, TN 37617 with Robert Helvey officiating. 

Pallbearers are Bryan Cross, Duke Moretz, J.T. Siekerman, and Josh Watson.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to Beulah Baptist Church, 491 Beulah Church Road, Kingsport, TN 37663.