Edward Alan Cruse
Edward Alan Cruse, 62, of McDonough, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
He was born on June 23, 1963, in Chattanooga, the son of Edward James Cruse and Evelyn “Sally” (Pendergrass) Tollett. Alan was a proud fan of the Tennessee Vols, Alan wore his orange with honor, and game day was sacred. When he wasn’t cheering on his team, he was tuned in to the roar of the racetrack, captivated by the speed, the sound, and the spirit of NASCAR racing. Alan was old school in the very best way. He was the kind of man who believed in helping people, not for praise, but because it was simply the right thing to do. He was the guy who’d pull over to help a stranger change a tire or quietly cut a neighbor’s grass just to lighten their load. His generosity was quiet but wide-reaching, and his good deeds often went unspoken because he didn’t do them to be noticed, he did them because he cared. With a big heart and a dependable spirit, Alan made the world a better place just by being in it. He attended Sharon Church in McDonough, where he found fellowship and purpose among those who knew him best. He was the kind of man who left lasting impressions through small moments, and the lives he touched will carry his memory forward.
He leaves behind his wife, Rita Knox Cruse; children, Cody (Anna) Cruse, Laurel Skye Cruse, Trey (Brittany) Young, Katie Beth (Levi) Hunt; his granddaughter by birth, but daughter by love, Brynlee Cruse, and other grandchildren, Wyatt Hunt, Annie Hunt, Maggie Hunt, BrookAnn Young, and Tucker Young; father, Eddie Cruse; siblings, Lisa Poss, April (Gene) Thomas, Tim (Angela) Cruse; several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his mother.
A service to honor Alan’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 15, beginning at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors.
The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. prior to the service.
A private interment will take place at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Wednesday, July 16.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions in Alan’s honor made to Might Hero Homes, a local organization dedicated to housing homeless veterans.
Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com, Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770 914-1414.