OBITUARY:
Robert George Cross III, Bob, a faithful servant of the Lord, entered the presence of his Savior on March 5, 2026, at the age of 70, after a life committed to his family, friends, community, and most importantly his devoted wife, Debra, the love of his life.
Bob was born in Gadsden Alabama on July 25, 1955, to Robert George Cross Jr. and Margaret Ann Cross. After graduating from Gadsden High School in 1973, he began what would become a lifetime of public service.
Bob started his career by becoming the first licensed paramedic in Etowah County, a role that reflected his deep desire to serve and care for others. His lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter soon followed when he joined the Guntersville Fire Department. After serving in both Guntersville and Attalla, Bob was given the opportunity to return home to serve with the Gadsden Fire Department. During his 38 years with the Gadsden Fire Department, Bob rose through the ranks from firefighter to Assistant Chief, earning the respect and admiration of those who served alongside him.
Bob’s commitment to public service extended well beyond the fire department. In 2004, he was elected to the Attalla City Council, representing District 5. Over the next 21 years until his death, he worked tirelessly alongside mayors, fellow council members, city employees, and the citizens of Attalla to improve the quality of life in the community he loved. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping establish Fire Station No. 2, a project that was especially meaningful to him.
While Bob loved serving his community, one of the places he loved serving most was his church family at First Baptist Church Attalla. There he faithfully shepherded and served the congregation for more than 40 years as a deacon, demonstrating a life of humility, faith, and leadership.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert George Cross Jr. and Margaret Ann Cross; his sister, Judy Cross Whorton; his uncle Dr. Todd Cross; father and mother in-law Beamon and Jo Powell; his brother-in-law Raymond Powell; and his nephew, Jeremy Brown.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 49 years, Debra; his daughters, Amy (Sam) Duffey and Stacy (Bryant) Moore; and his cherished grandchildren, Livy Duffey, Harris Moore, and Julia Moore, who lovingly called him “Poppy.”
He is also survived by his sisters- and brothers-in-law, Kay (Gary) Brown, Donna (Duane) Smith, and Bob (Linda) Whorton; along with his nieces and nephews, Breann (Will) Smith,
Leslie (Nick) Tolbert, Ben (Kim) Whorton, and Andy (Renee) Whorton, as well as a host of cousins and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Pallbearers will be Gary Brown, Will Cox, Larry Means, Duane Smith, Andy Whorton, and Ben Whorton. Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of First Baptist Church Attalla, the employees and elected officials of the City of Attalla, his brotherhood of firefighters, and his Pruett’s BBQ family.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church Attalla on Wednesday, March 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. A celebration of life service will take place on Thursday, March 12, at 2:00 p.m., also at First Baptist Church Attalla, Reverend Earl Mitchell officiating. Bob will be laid to rest in Rainbow Memorial Gardens immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church Attalla.
