Allen Rawles Cross Sr.

Allen Rawles Cross, Sr. of Salem, Virginia died on November 29, 2013 of natural causes. At 73, Allen was a lifelong resident of Salem with the exception of ten years in West Germany. Allen was President and owner of Business Data Systems, Inc. since 1978. Allen was involved in many causes for the community and for his friends. He was a Past President of Kiwanis as well as an active member of First United Methodist Church in Salem serving on many boards and as a Stephen Minister, visiting the elderly and families of a recently deceased family member. Allen had a passion for travel that he and his wife, Mary, instilled in their children and grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoyed spending this last August with all 18 of his children and grandchildren in Ireland. He also loved spending time in the outdoors on his farm and hunting. Allen has now gone to join his parents, John Armstrong and Judith Cross, and his brothers, Charles Cross and John A. Cross, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 48 years who he adored very much, Mary E. Cross; his children and their spouses: Judith and Mike Painter, Rawles and Jennifer Cross, Griffin and Ashley Cross, and Clayton and Renee Cross; his grandchildren: Spencer Cross, Emma Painter, Annabelle Anderson, Noah Painter, Wesley Cross, Graham Cross, Samuel Painter, and William Cross. The family will receive friends on December 3, 2013 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at John M. Oakey & Son in Salem, Virginia. Funeral Services will be held on December 4, 2013 at 11:00am at First United Methodist Church in Salem with the Reverend Steven Bray officiating. Inurnment will follow at a later date at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, Virginia. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Rescue Mission (402 4th St SE, Roanoke, VA 24013), the Bradley Free Clinic (1240 3rd St SW, Roanoke, VA 24016), The Turning Point Shelter (Salvation Army, 724 Dale Avenue, SE, Roanoke, VA 24013), or the Salem Food Pantry (620 Chapman St, Salem, VA 24153). Allen would also be grateful for any money you add into the Salvation Army buckets during this season as that was one of his beloved projects at this time of the year. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.