Left to right, N.C. Forest Service Region 2 regional forester Keith Money, Rockingham County ranger Ben Cross, Nancy Cross, District 10 district forester Nancy Blackwood, Charley Cross, Betty Cross, Jamey Cross, N.C. agriculture commissioner Steve Troxler, assistant commissioner/state forester Greg Hicks are pictured with the newly unveiled sign on Old Cox Road. (Photo courtesy of N.C. Forest Service).
ASHEBORO — The North Carolina Forest Service’s Randolph County facilities have been named in memory of Walter Cross.
Cross was the longest-serving active employee of the N.C. Forest Service when he died May 27, 2025, at age 57. He had been with the organization for 36 years and seven months.
The county’s headquarters are located at Old Cox Road in Asheboro. A sign detailing Cross’ career was added to the office building.
Cross began with the N.C. Forest Service in 1988, working in Rockingham and Montgomery counties before spending the rest of his time out of his native Randolph County.
“Walter was a beloved and respected Randolph County ranger who exemplified selfless sacrifice and commitment to serving others,” N.C. agriculture commissioner Steve Troxler said. “As he has faithfully served the citizens of Randolph County and the state, it is fitting that the Randolph County headquarters bear his name as an acknowledgement of his dedication.”
Many who attended the dedication ceremony lauded Cross’s passion and knowledge.
“Walter knew every path, old homesite and interesting place in the county,” said Mark Bost, a former district forester for District 10. “I get a sick feeling every time I pass Old Cox Road knowing that he’s not there to talk to now.”
Cross’ family members because aware of his impact with the forest service.
“If it was alive in Randolph County, it was cared about and looked after by Walter Cross,” said Ben Cross, Walter’s son and Rockingham County ranger. “… It means so much to our family for the N.C. Forest Service to honor our dad’s work and remarkable career by dedicating these facilities to him.”
His daughter, Jamey Cross, recalled when Cross missed a 2016 family Thanksgiving gathering because he was in western North Carolina dealing with wildfires.
“It was maybe the first time I was old enough to recognize the sacrifice this job demanded, and dad’s willingness to make that sacrifice for the good of the public, the land and this state,” she said.
