William "Bill" Thomas Cross, PhD.
6/23/2025 12:01:00 PM - Final Journey

William Thomas. Cross, Sr. age 80, was born in Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Ml to William

Barlette Cross and Violet C. Jackson Cross on November 30th 1944. He was currently living in

Winter Haven, FL. He 'walked on' Friday, June 20, 2025 at the George C. Forsythe Hospice

House Unit, with family at his side.

He is survived by William Thomas Cross, II his son, Melissa Cross, his daughter-in-law, and two

wonderful granddaughters Kaelin and Madison Cross. His surviving siblings; Edward Cross,

brother, and Suzanne Cross, sister, James Colthorp, brother-in-law, and nephew, Jason Cross and

his wife Noelle Cross and their children.

He graduated from Eastern High School where he enjoyed playing football and baseball. He

earned three degrees from Michigan State University. He then taught at MSU, Wisconsin, and

Harvard as a Visiting Professor. More recently he severed as a consultant with numerous

accomplishments while working for and providing assistance to Tribal Nations in the U.S.

He enjoyed boating on Lake Michigan, collecting Native American artwork, and most of all,

being a Father, Grandfather and Uncle. He was frequently on the move traveling and working in

a number of States. He was always making plans for new adventures, traveling, and working in

new locations to provide assistance to a tribe, organizations, and/or individuals. Also, he loved

sharing time and adventures with family and friends.

When asked, he provided thoughtful responses to folks, even though at times his thoughts may

not have been appreciated; the majority of the time, he was correct. He had the ability to see

the forest while others were viewing an individual tree. Family and Friends wish him much love

for his journey as he 'walks on' to reunite with his relatives. There was a fire in his honor at the

Nokomis Culture Heritage Center in Okemos, Ml, date and time to be announced.