Robert T. Cross passed away on June 10, 2023, with his family at his side. Robert, "Bobby," was born on November 28, 1938, to Clarence and Martha Cross in Eustis, Florida. He graduated from Ocala High School in 1957 before going on to work as a cable splicer for the Florida Telephone Company, "running trouble calls," for the majority of his career. He enjoyed his work with the phone company which involved driving through the Ocala National Forest in his telephone truck along with his various "helpers" over the years.

Bobby loved his Florida State University (FSU) Seminoles (GO NOLES!!) and traveled to many games, including The Sugar Bowl and The Gator Bowl during Bobby Bowden's coaching reign. Bobby also enjoyed watching Tampa Bay Buccaneers Football and Tampa Bay Rays Baseball games. In retired life, afternoons were spent watching "The Young and The Restless", "General Hospital", and "The Bold and The Beautiful" while drinking root beer.

Bobby and his wife hosted countless parties during their early years of marriage, and all enjoyed dancing to the tunes of Elvis Presley and other artists of the 1950s, as well as singing along to Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" and a "Boy Named Sue."  He also enjoyed "trick" water skiing in his younger years and was an avid lifelong collector of old coins and cars. His automobile collection included a 1957 Chevrolet Bellaire, 1967 Camaro, 1971 Pontiac LeMans, and a 1974 Corvette Stingray. He was a great friend to many, and he always had a beer ready for visitors.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Frances Wigelsworth Cross of Ocala, FL; children Nancy Cross, (Richard Stover) of Raleigh, NC; Bobby Cross (Olga) of Silver Springs, FL; Billy Cross of Ocala, FL; and Greg Cross of Orlando, FL; his grandsons, Zack Cole of Raleigh, NC, and Ben Cole of Charlotte, NC; and his grand dog, Junk Cross.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Martha Cross of Ocala, FL; his sisters Betty Howell and Sara Bethea, both of Ocala, FL; and his brothers C.R. Cross, of Crystal River, FL, James Cross, Keith Cross, and William (Billy) Cross, all of Ocala, FL; and his grandson, Daniel Cross, also of Ocala, FL.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. William Dresen, Bobby's cardiologist, and his Team for their devoted care for over 40 years. The family also extends deepest appreciation to Dr. Edward Lazo, Sally Lazo, and the entire Lazo Medical Team for their excellent and compassionate care for Bobby throughout the years. In addition, the family sincerely thanks Erin Starner, Bobby's great niece, Mike Howell, his nephew, Sandra Park, Mary Beth Hunter, and Judy Sapp, his nieces, and his neighbor, Mike Boyle, and family, for their acts of kindness and companionship over the years.

A Celebration of Bobby's Life will take place on September 3, 2023, at 3 pm at the home of his niece Judy Sapp at 4215 SE 110 ^th Street, Belleview, FL. Attendees are invited to wear FSU garnet and gold attire. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association or Marion County Animal Services at 5701 SE 66 ^th Street, Ocala, Florida 34480 in honor of Bobby.