Ovia Cross
Ovia Cross (1889-1980) was an educator who served as Scott County School Superintendent on two occasions in the 1920s. He was Scott County’s first elected superintendent of schools, and organized the first four-year high school in Scott County. He also coached the first basketball team in Scott County.
See Also: Scott County School Superintendents
Preceded By: W.J. Jeffers • Succeeded By: O.E. Jeffers
Preceded By: O.E. Jeffers • Succeeded By: O. Earl Byrd
Biography
Born Jan. 13, 1889, Ovia Cross was from Jellico Creek in eastern Scott County. He was the son of Rev. Harrison Maynard Cross and Cordelia Adkins, and graduated from Huntsville High School.
Cross’s paternal grandfather was Caswell Cross, whose Buffalo farm was raided by Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. His great-uncle, Larkin Cross, was murdered during the same raid of the Buffalo community. He was a second cousin of Bailey Cross, who served as superintendent of schools in the 1970s.
Following high school, Cross attended Maryville College and East Tennessee State Normal.
Cross married Barbara Evelyn Terry (1897-1959). They had two sons: Ira Lee and William Maynard.
Professional Life
Cross’s first teaching job was with the Oneida Special School District, following his graduation from East Tennessee State Normal. There, he helped to organize the first basketball team in Scott County.
Following his stint as school superintendent, he returned to the classroom in Oneida and taught for 28 years before retiring in 1960.
Scott County School Superintendent
Cross was the first elected superintendent of schools in Scott County’s history, winning election in 1924. Prior to 1924, the school superintendent was chosen by the Scott County Quarterly Court.
Cross served from 1924 to 1926, and was succeeded by O.E. Jeffers. He was elected again in 1928, succeeding Jeffers. He was replaced in 1931 by O. Earl Byrd.
Cross is credited with organizing the first three four-year high schools in Scott County: Huntsville, Norma and Robbins.
Death
Cross died on March 20, 1980 at Scott County Hospital in Oneida. He was 91. A funeral service was conducted March 23, 1980 at Scott County Funeral Home in Oneida, and he was buried at Litton Cemetery in Oneida.
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