Jay Vernon Cross, 70, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 5:52 a.m., Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at his home.

He was born October 31, 1951, at Arlington, Virginia, the son of Vernon Francis Cross and Audrey Hendrix Cross.  He proudly served as Deputy Sheriff of Volusia County, Florida, for twenty-five years.  Mr. Cross was a member of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans.  He loved drinking coffee every day at the Downtown Antiques Mall, and he also loved spoiling his grandkids and his dog, Josey.

He is survived by four children, Ben Cross and wife, Hope, Houston, Missouri, Rene Cross, Cabool, Missouri, Rachel Wilson and husband, Lee, Deland, Florida, and Jesse Cross and wife, Carmen, Nampa, Idaho; seven grandchildren, Audrey, Dallas, Gabe, Lawson, Rylee, Jude, and Gabi; and one sister, Barbara Gionfriddo, North Carolina.

His parents, Vernon and Audrey Cross, preceded him in death.