Charles Wallace Cross, Jr.

Charles Wallace Cross, Jr., age 83, of Clarksville, TN passed away on Friday, July 1, 2022 at Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN. He was born on January, 4, 1939 in Charleston, WV to the late Charles Wallace Cross, Sr., and Harriett Lillian Stacker Cross.

His father, Charles W. Cross Sr., (Berry) was a chemical engineer and later ran the family's men's clothing store, M.L. Cross Co., at the site of the present day Blackhorse Pub.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Caitlin Cross, daughter Leigh Ann Parr (Larry), son Steven Cross, grandsons Robert Andrew Parr, Ryan Parr (Kirsten), two beautiful great-granddaughters and a sister, Connie Cross.

He received his M.A. in History from Austin Pay State University and his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in History with a specialty in British Empire. Dr. Cross was employed by APSU since 1987 to the present. He maintained an interest in the American Civil War, writing two books pertinent to Tennessee's role in the war, Ordeal by Fire: History of the Fourteenth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 1861 - 1865, and Cry Havoc: A History of the 4gth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Dr. Cross spoke frequently on history at public events, including the Montgomery County Historical Society, entertaining and educating many. Dr. Cross' blindness never stopped his determination to contribute to his community. His force of personality and humor will always be appreciated by those who knew him. His grandson Ryan said "I always imagined if he lived in a different time, he would have been one of the rebel yells standing against an invading army.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Montgomery County Historical Society or the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County. 

There are no public services scheduled.

Arrangements are under the care of Gateway Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 335 Franklin St. Clarksville, TN 37040. Phone: 931-919-2600. Online condolences may be made by visiting gatewayfh.com.