Junius Bracy Cross, MD

Junius Bracy Cross, MD


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Sep 5th, 2014

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  • Death Date: Sep 5, 2014

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Biography: Junius Bracy Cross, MD born 1926, died at home Friday, September 5, 2014. He was one of four brothers born to Cage and Gladys Cross. He was a graduate of Little Rock High School, the University of Arkasas and University of Arkansas Medical School. He and his brothers all served in World War II, Jun as a medic. Following the war he married his high school sweetheart, Sarah Riley Cross. They raised three children in Little Rock, where Jun set up his medical practice as an Ophthalmologist. He served on the faculty of UAMS and most recently served on the Jones Eye Institute Advisory Board. Dr. Cross was one of a number of doctors who pioneered the Doctor?s Building and Doctor?s Hospital where he served as Chief of Staff. Dr. Cross was among the founding members of St. Mark?s Episcopal Church where he served as Senior Warden. Jun and Sarah enjoyed traveling abroad, collecting art, boating and camping with their children. Jun was an avid golfer and excellent marksman and was the state 12 Gauge Skeet Shooting Champion several times. Many frosty mornings in the fall and winter found him duck hunting with friends in the rice fields of Stuttgart. In addition to his expert care of the eyes of Arkansas for almost 50 years, Jun had the eyes of an artist and enjoyed painting countless landscapes of his beloved Arkansas, portraits of friends and family, and sketches of his many world travels. He enjoyed 49 years of marriage to Sarah. After her death, Jun received the gift of a second love with his marriage to Fern Cross who became his sweetheart and soulmate of 15 years. With Fern at his side, he once again traveled the world. They spent summers together at her beloved home in Jackson Hole, WY. They shared a love of jazz music and became supportive fans, friends, travel companions, and entertainers of many fine American jazz musicians whose careers they followed with enthusiasm. Jun is survived by his wife, Fern Cross; brother, Howard Paul Cross and wife Linda Cross; children and step children: son, Junius Bracy Cross, Jr. and wife, Deborah D. Cross, daughters, Suzanne Cross Hearn and husband, Tyrrell Hearn, India Cross Cheairs; step-children, Bill Downs and wife, Stephanie Downs, Gael Downs Hancock and husband, John Hancock; grandchildren, J.Bracy Cross, III and wife, Terri Cross, Sarah Caroline Cross, Tyrrell Hearn, India Baker Hearn, John Titus Cheairs, Stephen Minor Cheairs; great-grandchildren, Lila Lynn Cross, June Fowler Cross and Bailey Copland Downs, Sydney Catherine Downs, Ian Hancock, Natalie Hancock; and many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his family, he leaves behind many cherished friends and colleagues. The family would like to acknowledge the excellent care given by the staff of St. Vincent?s Infirmary, the W. Markham Rehab Center and Arkansas Hospice. He made friends until the end with his wit, humor and good natured attitude, and will be keenly missed. A memorial service will be held at St. Mark?s Episcopal Church on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. followed by inurnment in the church columbarium. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to UAMS Jones Eye Institute, 4301 W. Markham St., Slot #523-3, Little Rock, AR 72205 or St. Marks Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi, Little Rock, AR 72207. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Condolences(14)
Joanna Gifford
#14
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I was so saddened to hear Dr. Cross had passed away. He is where no disease can touch him now. I will always remember stories of my first visits to his office back in 1959. My Mother told me stories of the four surgeries he performed on my eyes. The surgical staff was not allowed to touch me until Dr. Cross came in and proved he was with me. After being away for 15 years, I returned to his office for an exam. He still had my records! He was quite a man and I'm so proud to be one of his early patients.
Sherry Herndon Duggin
#13
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am deeply saddened to hear that Dr. Cross passed away however, I rejoice in knowing that he has joined his Maker and that he is no longer battling a disease. Dr. Cross was my first eye doctor some 50 years ago. He was an excellent doctor as well as a caring individual. I was always glad to see him, in the past as a patient and more recently at his doctor's office when I was at that same office with my sister. I offer my sympathy to his family and friends. I know he will truly be missed.
Teresa Harris
#12
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Cross was a kind and lovely man. I met Dr. Cross and his brother Howard when they came to Camden to work in historic Oakland Cemetery on the Brown family plot and when they visited the Cross log cabin at Hale Farm. Please contact me here in Camden.
Jackie Melton Turner
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Cross. I was a former patient at the Doctor's Building and remember at around age 4 coming to his office for my vision checks. I was never afraid seeing Dr Cross due to his kind and encouraging heart. I also enjoyed seeing him smile and can picture in my mind his white jacket. So glad to read of his blessed life and his continuing touch to future generations. Thank you to his family for sharing this great man with so many.
sarah jane smith
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
what a sweet man who always treated you like you were his only concern in his office. Just the kind of doctor all his patients loved.
Shawn Bracy Clark
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Our condolences and prayers for the family in the loss of Dr. Cross. He was my eye doctor for many years, and always gave me what he called his "kinship" discount :) He was a dear, sweet man, and I know he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Draxie Rogers
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I only heard today about the passing of Dr. Cross. He was one of the best people I have ever known. He was a true friend and the world was better for his having been here. No one enjoyed a laugh more; no one provided more laughs for his friends. My heart ached today. But the good memories of his friendship will always remain with me.
Chris Ives
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
JB and Deb, Suzanne and India,
may ya'll find it possible to remember Big June's humor, grace, and gifts even in this time of sorrow.
Kristin, James, and I have him and all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Arnold Goodman
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
India, J.B. and Debbie--I was very sorry to learn of your father's and father-in-law;s death. May his memory be a blessing to you. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts.
Dr. and Mrs. William F. Hayden
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Our condolences to the Cross Family
Mrs. Bonnye Maxwell
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
All my love and prayers to the family. Jun was my cousin and I will miss him greatly. Love Bonnye Jean
Harry & Rivka Ehrenberg
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Our thoughts are with you and your family during these this time of your loss.
Paul, Jr. and Trish Cross
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We are so terribly sorry to hear of his passing. Our thoughts are with you. God bless.
Greg Bryant
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My deepest condolences to The Cross Family.

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