Howard Paul Cross

Howard Paul Cross, 94, of Little Rock finally departed this world to be with the Lord on January 14, 2023.

(In Pauls' words)

On a sunny afternoon September 2, 1928 at 1721 South Gaines St., Gladys Cross sent my father Cage Cross, my brothers Cage Cross Jr., John Robert Cross and June Bracy Cross to the Little Rock Zoo to see the monkeys. When they returned, they had a little monkey at home. My mother loved to tell that story.

We lived in Little Rock for a couple of years and after that three years in Pine Bluff. Then we spent four happy years in McGehee. Then it was back to Little Rock where I went to Mitchell Academy (closed 2006), Westside Junior High (closed 1971) and Little Rock High School (now Central High). After graduation I joined the Army at 17 years of age and General Macarthur and I occupied the island of Japan. He was a 5-star general, and I was a PFC. I think we did a pretty good job. After the Army, I graduated from the University of Arkansas in four years. In the last part of my senior year I was sitting on the rock wall in front of the Kappa Sig house with my roommate watching the girls go by. When I saw Linda Smith come by, I knew she was THE ONE for me. Linda gave me two sons Howard P. Cross Jr. who gave me two grandchildren Victoria Ann Cross and Garrett W. Cross. My son Samuel Clayton Cross fixed everything for me and gave me a lot of pleasure. Receiving an Army commission, I was back in the Army for two more years, then 23 years in Oklahoma working for Prentice Hall and doing my Army Reserve work. In 1978 I returned to Little Rock where I worked for Favorite Check Printers and did my Army Reserve duties. It was all worth it because I was promoted to Colonel and everyone was real nice to me. If you haven’t been a Colonel I hardily recommend it.

I would like to leave my recipe for the success I had. Four things;

1) Always do the right thing.

2) Never promise more than you can deliver but deliver more than you promised.

3) Take care of problems while they are small.

4) Do all the above cheerfully.

Well, thanks for everything and Goodbye!

Howard was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers. He is survived by his wife Linda Smith Cross; his sons, Howard Paul Cross Jr. and wife Trish, Samuel C. Cross and his wife Nona; grandchildren, Garrett Cross and Vickie Cross; great grandson, Elliott and many nieces and nephews and their offspring as well.

Family will receive visitors at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 1:00 PM. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM. Cremation will follow at a later date.