Samuel “Sammy” Ray Cross, 48, a resident of Benton, passed away Monday, May 21, 2012, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was a lifelong resident of Polk County and was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Fate and Irene Cross and Robert and Helen Ice Cross; and sister-in-law, Mary Cross.

He is survived by his parents, Sam and Janice Ice Cross; children: Samantha Joann Yawn, Patricia Anne Cross, Felicia Dawn Cross and Veda Michelle Cross; grandchildren: Dakota Austin Yawn, Kaylee Shyanne Cross, Devin Alexander Yawn, Kayden Samuel Cross; sisters: Delores Hicks and husband, James, Elizabeth Haulk and husband, Carl and Brenda Lawson; brother, Michael Eugene Cross and fiancé, Linda Carver; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 26, 2012, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with the Rev. Richard Chastain and the Rev. Chad Maxwell officiating.

Interment will follow in Benton Memorial Gardens with Tommy Swann, Mike Pike, Aaron Hyde, Delbert Jenkins, Randy Cross, and Brian Cross serving as pallbearers.

A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service,

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 this evening at the funeral home.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Cross family guest book at www.higginsfuneral.com.