Junius Bracy Cross

JUNIUS BRACY CROSS, MD born 1926, died at home Friday, Sept. 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 Arkansas 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 UAMS faculty 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 soul mate 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, Wyo. 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 and 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 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, followed by interment 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.