A lone figure being followed by the big, black dog, Mister, can no longer be found walking his blueberry fields in the early morning mist. Francis Greenwood Cross has parted from our world on Aug. 28 and wanders now with God.
Francis was born in Orneville on July 22, 1936, to William and Violet Cross. He graduated from Milo High School in 1955, and then went on to receive his degree in Science Education from the University of Maine. After graduating, he found himself on the coast of Maine for his first teaching job at Waldoboro High School. It is here that he would meet the wife he cherished, Patricia Orff, with whom he spent the next 52 years.
During his tenure at RSU #40 from 1959 to 1996, Francis was a science teacher, the head of the science department, Director of Adult Education, and the assistant principal of Medomak Valley High School for 27 years until his retirement. He coached boys’ junior varsity basketball at Waldoboro H.S. and girls’ varsity softball and basketball at Medomak Valley. He was also a proud member of the Heart Team. Even after retirement, Francis remained invested in the school system he had given so many years to by serving multiple terms on the school board. His passion was for kids; his goal was to make a difference in their lives.
Francis was a man of deep faith who made every effort to live for Christ every day. He was a lay speaker for the Methodist Church and served as a Trustee for the First Baptist Church of Waldoboro, as well as in his last years being in charge of the grounds and buildings. He has been an active member and fixture of the First Baptist Church for 42 years.
Above all, Francis loved his family. He unselfishly sacrificed his needs throughout his life to be sure that the needs of his family were met. He loved and adored his wife and daughters, and found utmost joy and pride in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Francis did not travel far from the Cross Compound where his most important treasures surrounded him.
He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Maxine Bean; and brother, Albert Cross.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughter, Elaine Baxley and husband Ron of Waldoboro; daughters, Michelle Wagstaff and husband Peter of Waldorf, Md., and Jennifer Goode of Waldoboro; granddaughters, Leslie Pratt and Kristine Wagstaff; grandsons, William Pratt and wife April, and Ian Goode; great-grandson, Julian; step great-grandchildren, Katie and Tommy; sister, Amy Nichols and husband Wilbur of Milo; sister, Shirley Hutchinson and husband Fred of Pawley’s Island, S.C.; nephew, Charles Flint and wife Celeste of Waldoboro; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
We would love to hear your stories and memories of Francis. Please share them with the family at franciscross.wordpress.com or email them to cross.family@rocketmail.com. You can also share your condolences with the family by visiting www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Francis G. Cross Fund to support RSU #40 educational programming. Make checks payable to RSU #40 and indicate on the memo line the Fund. Mail checks to RSU #40/MSAD #40, ATT: Francis G. Cross Fund, PO Box 701, Union, ME 04862 and/or Gibson Pavilion, Maine Medical Center, c/o The Development Dept., 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102. Indicate on the check that it is in memory of Francis Cross.
Celebration service 11 a.m., Sat., Sept. 22 at the First Baptist Church in Waldoboro with reception following until 2 p.m. The service will be streamed live at www.fbcwaldoboro.org, if you are unable to attend.
Services are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main Street, Waldoboro.
