Mr. Whaleland S. Cross

Whaleland Steve Cross was born in Suffolk, Virginia, October 29, 1935 to the late Pecolia Cross. He departed life on April 6, 2018 under the care of Hospice. He graduated from East Suffolk High School. He lived his adult life in Akron, Ohio, Ipswich, Massachusetts and Savannah, Georgia. He graduated from Morgan State University with a BS in Business Administration and from University of Akron with a Master's in Business Administration. While a student at Morgan State College, he was drafted into the US Army where he spent a two- year tour of duty.

Steve started his career with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and Goodyear Aerospace Corporation in Akron, Ohio. After 4 years he joined General Electric Company, Lynn, MA as senior Auditor. He was later recruited by the Business Development Corporation in Boston Massachusetts where he spent time working with individuals and groups who wanted to start their own business. As he helped new business start up, he began to teach a course or two at a local college or university, where young minds were being developed. In Savannah State University, and South College. On occasions he was a sub teacher for the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. Steve ran his own  income tax service for many years.

Steve was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and served in many roles to advance the principals of his beloved fraternity. He was a modern jazz enthusiast and over the years he met many of the greats in jazz world. He was a very active member of the Savannah Jazz Association, until his illness. Steve was actively involved in his neighborhood associations; through his many efforts he became the East Victorian Neighborhood Coordinator. Steve loved the game of golf, spending many hours on the course. He served as a ranger at the Bacon Park golf course. He was a volunteer tutor at the Royce Learning Center.

Whaleland is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dr. Deanna Cross; one daughter, Stephanie Deann; one son, Jeffery Whaleland (Luz Beatrez). Two cousins Rose Valentine and Juanita Fergurson; three sister-in-law, Martha Harrison, Ann Staton, Lynn Manley; one brother-in-law, Jackie Staton and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

He was a member of St.Paul's Episcopal Church, 34th Abercorn Street. Contributions, in his name, may be sent to St. Paul's Episcopal Church food pantry or St.Paul's Back pack Buddies.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church located at 1802 Abercorn Street Savannah, Georgia 31401.

Interment: Private 

Professional services entrusted to Bynes-Royall Funeral Home, Inc.

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