Raphael Cross Sr. went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the age of 98, surrounded by family and loves ones.

He was born in Swainsboro, Georgia to Tom Cross Sr. and Louise Cross on August 9, 1928.  He was the youngest of three children. He volunteered for military services at the age of 22, serving our country in the U.S. Army for 2 years, with an honorable discharge from active duty.  Upon his discharge he relocated to Akron, Ohio to pursue his dreams and goals, and married his loving wife of 55 years, Synesica “Jean” Cross.

He worked for the United States Postal Service for over 50 years and was a self-made entrepreneur for over 48 years at Ray’s and Jim’s barbershop located at 1392 Copley Road in Akron, Ohio, where his business became a stable pillar of the community, and provided mentorship and job opportunities to others.

Known for his warm sense of humor, professional demeanor, and kind and generous heart, he became a beloved and familiar presence at the barbershop, faithfully serving his customers and community until his retirement at the remarkable age of 92. His service extended far beyond the walls of the barbershop. With compassion and a genuine desire to help others, he generously provided free haircuts to countless sick and shut-in members of the community, ensuring that those who could not come to him were still cared for with dignity and kindness.

His lifelong dedication to his profession and community did not go unnoticed. In recognition of his outstanding service, he was formally honored by the Mayor of Akron, Ohio. His legacy is also commemorated through a mural display at the Helen Arnold Community Learning Center, 450 Vernon Odom Blvd. in Akron, Ohio, honoring his enduring commitment to serving others. His life was a testament to hard work, generosity, compassion, and service, and the impact he made on the lives of others will remain a treasured part of his legacy.

First and foremost, Mr. Cross was a saved man of God and a loyal and faithful servant of the Lord. For more than 60 years, he was a devoted member of St. John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where he faithfully served as a Steward and Treasurer. His faith was more than something he professed; it was reflected in the way he lived his life and treated others. Mr. Cross will be remembered as a man who not only read and believed God’s Word but faithfully lived by it each day.

He was preceded in death by his devoted and loving wife Synesica “Jean” Cross; his parents, Tom Cross Sr. and Louise Cross; brother, Tom Cross Jr. (Bobbie); and sister, Annie Lousie Cross.

He leaves to cherish his memory, daughters, Nettie Cross-King, and Pamela Cross; sons, Renaldo (Linda) Tyson, Marvin (Brandy)Tyson, Raphael Cross Jr.; daughter, Charlotte Cross; and A host of beautiful grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, great- nieces, nephews, great- nephews, extended family, friends, and special friends.