About 30 uniformed members of the N.C. Forest Service pose for a photo with the new sign.

N.C. Forest Service dedicates Randolph County headquarters to longtime ranger Walter Cross

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Earlier this month, the N.C. Forest Service dedicated its Randolph County facilities in honor of longtime Randolph County ranger Walter Cross and renamed the site as the “Walter Cross Randolph County Headquarters.”

Cross began his career with the N.C. Forest Service in 1988. He worked in Rockingham and Montgomery counties but returned to his native Randolph County for the majority of his career.

Family members and officials pose for a photo with the new sign.
From left: 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, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, Assistant Commissioner/State Forester Greg Hicks are pictured with the newly unveiled sign.

Cross had a heart for public service and a passion for land management. Every day, Cross showed up with an eagerness to work and to protect forestland. Cross dedicated himself to being a supervisor and coworker that freely shared his vast knowledge and experience.

Earlier: A career stretching nearly four decades, spanning a life seemingly cut too short

On May 27, 2025, Cross passed away after a short, unexpected illness. At the time, he was the longest-serving active employee of the N.C. Forest Service at 36 years and 7 months.

“Walter was a beloved and respected Randolph County ranger who exemplified selfless sacrifice and commitment to serving others. 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,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. “Walter’s impact lives on in every Forest Service employee and firefighter he mentored throughout his career and through his three children who continue his legacy of public service through their own careers.”

A metal sign with green text hangs on a building.
A metal sign detailing Cross’s career hangs on the Walter Cross Randolph County Headquarters building.
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A group of about 40 people sit and stand in a building shop watching a speaker.
Family, government officials, N.C. Forest Service personnel, Randolph County firefighters and community members gathered for the dedication ceremony on May 11, 2026.

At the dedication ceremony, firefighters, forest service staff and other community members gathered to unveil the sign and remember Cross and his legacy. His son spoke of his father’s impact in the county. “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. “We have to salute the man who put his heart and soul into being the best forest ranger you could ask for. 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.”

As part of the building dedication ceremony, a sign detailing Cross’s career was added to the Randolph County office building. Additionally, a large sign was installed at the headquarters’ entrance displaying the facility’s new name.

The Walter Cross Randolph County Headquarters is located on Old Cox Road in Asheboro.

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