John Lewis Cross

John was born on Jan. 8, 1944 in Parsons West Virginia, a son of Paul Wesley and Catherine Donohue Cross. On Aug. 27, 1968, he married Ann Marie Ambrose, who preceded him in death Jan. 27, 1987.

John leaves behind two brothers, David Cross of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Lannie Cross and wife, Karen, and family of Oregon; a daughter Amy Cross-Poling of Thomas, West Virginia; two sons, Mark L. Cross and wife, Liz, of Elkins, West Virginia, and Matthew C. Cross of Cabin Creek, West Virginia; brother-in-law, Jim Ambrose and wife, Melanie, and family of Parsons; eight grandchildren, Jeff Hardy and wife, Codi, of Davis West Virginia, Heather Gross of Thomas, West Virginia, Courtney White and husband, Cory, and family of Parsons, West Virginia, Lindsey Poling of Charleston, West Virginia, Mia Cross of Elkins, West Virginia, Jaden, Peyton and Braylee Cross of Thomas West Virginia; and five great-grandchildren including, Gabriella (Gabby) Gross, Brayton Hardy and Isabella Gross.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Catherine Cross; an infant sister, Crystal Cross; his wife of 19 years, Ann Marie Ambrose Cross; and his favorite four-legged companion of 16 years, Gus.

John worked in the D.C. area after graduation and received his business/financing degree, he was an avid drag strip racer with his well-known dragster “Snake Charmer,” he proudly held a NASCAR national record title in 1966 and 1967 hitting a record of 117.90 in 12.39 seconds and 121.16 in 11.90 seconds. He also enjoyed many years of being on bowling leagues and enjoyed playing pool.

John was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea from 1968-1970, after his honorable discharge he returned home to his family. He began his career in 1976 at the Tucker County Bank and was employed there until its closing in 1984. He and his wife Ann began J&A Rentals in Parsons along with owning and operating the Parsons Bowling Alley. Later they owned and operated J&A Bowling Center in Elkins, West Virginia, and John went on to operate Wholesale Outlet in Parsons and Elkins.

His favorite pastimes were bowling, riding motorcycles, watching NASCAR Races, and hanging out with friends, shooting pool at the Elkins Senior Center and time spent with his dear friend, Tom Hensil.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday from the funeral home chapel with Pastor Paul Brady officiating. Interment will follow in the Mountain State Memorial Gardens near Gilman where presentation of the American Flag will be made by members of the West Virginia National Guard Honor Guard Program.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Randolph County Humane Society, PO Box 785, Elkins, WV 26241 in memory of John.

The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for John L. Cross.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.