Bronson Farrell Cross, 76, of Scott Depot, departed this life February, 17, 2008, after a short illness. He was able to spend his final days at home surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him.

Bronson entered this life on August 13, 1931, as the son of the late Bronson Floyd Cross and Audrey McElwain Cross. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Scott and his infant granddaughter, Chastity Dawn Hall.

A Braxton County native, Bronson graduated from Gassaway High School and attended West Virginia Wesleyan College. He then served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Labrador as a radar specialist. After serving his country, he returned to Gassaway to begin his career as a third-generation jeweler and to take over ownership of the family business, Cross Jewelers. After relocating his family to the Kanawha Valley, he continued his trade as a jeweler with Lilly's Jewelers and was currently with C. F. Reuschlein Jewelers in Huntington.

He was a man of great faith, who was dedicated to his family. He preferred to not be defined by his accomplishments in life, but instead to be defined by and proudest of his close knit family and his devotion to God. He was a current member of Teays Valley Missionary Baptist Church and also previously belonged to Gassaway Baptist Church and Fairlawn Baptist Church. He was a well-respected family man who enjoyed the outdoors, sports and spending time with his family.

Bronson was loved by all who knew him. As he begins his eternal life, he leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Dolores Cross, daughter, Vicki Lynn Reddick of Hurricane, sons, Steven Farrell Cross of Cross Lanes, David Scott Cross of Winfield and Douglas Floyd Cross of Scott Depot; grandchildren, Chad Hall, Tyler Gills, Brittany Cross, Kaylee Cross, Olivia Cross, Tanner Cross and Trevor Cross and great grandson, Jacob Hall. He is also survived by his sister, Jean Edwards of Panama, New York and by many other extended family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a,m,, Thursday, February 21, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Dr. John Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Bealls-Mills Cemetery, Gassaway.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, February 20, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to HospiceCare, especially Connie Boggs, for caring for him with dignity and respect while God prepared a special place for him.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.