Willard Hugh "Boots" Cross, age 83, of McCaysville, GA, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2009 at his home. Mr. Cross was a native of the Copper Basin area and was a son of the late Larkin and Edna Bay Johnson Cross. He was a self-employed carpenter and was a member of the Zion Hill Baptist Church. He was a Combat Veteran of W.W.II serving in the U.S. Army where he was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon w/ 2 Bronze Stars; Good Conduct Medal; Victory Medal World War II and the Occupation Medal. He was preceded in death by his wife, Imo Jean Talley Cross; son, Jerry Willard Cross, grandson, Matthew Lee Allen, brothers Miller, Clingmon and Emitt Cross and sisters, Claudia Cole and Maybelle Cross. He is survived by daughters, Johnnie Allen of McCaysville, GA, Vickie Shroth of Copperhill, TN, Marcy Wilson Wise of McCaysville, GA; one brother, A.J. Cross of Turtletown, TN; three sisters, Nina Beavers of Cleveland, TN, Louise Golden of Blairsville, GA, Dorothy Clark of Loganville, GA; Special Grandchildren, Jennifer Queen Stiles, Michael Shroth, James Shroth, Justin Wilson, Nicole Wilson, Julie Falls and Melissa Dixon. Special great grandchildren, Matraca Queen, Koby Shroth, Emilee Falls, Tucker Shroth, Kelly Shroth, Elijah Falls, Steven Hughes, Courtney Hughes, Brett Hughes, Trey Dixon, Madison Cox, Harley Cox, Bella Hornbuckle, Reagen Willa Nunes, and Garrett Dixon. Several nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.Funeral services were conducted Monday, February 2nd at 2:00 PM from the Akins of Copperhill Chapel with Chaplain Joseph Kemper officiating. Music was by Valerie Taylor. Pallbearers included James Shroth, Mark Falls, Donald Stiles, Roger Ritchie, Dick Maye, Richard Kelly, Johnny Cantrell and Tom Godsey. Honorary pallbearers included Howard Allen, Jerry Stillwell, Ricky Newman, Bill Stuart, Jimmy Davis, Jack Jones, Junior Raper, Steven Hughes and Brett Hughes. Interment followed in the Zion Hill cemetery with full military honors conducted by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Condolences to the family may be sent to www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill was in charge of the arrangements.