Donald Ray Cruse 54, formerly of Abilene, passed away January 13, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2012 in North’s Memorial Chapel 242 Orange St. with Elder Jerry Jordon officiating.

Mr. Cruse was born February 20, 1957 in Abilene, Texas to William and Ruby Cruse. He graduated from Cooper High School in 1976. He attended college at McMurry University. He played basketball for McMurry University and became N.A.I.A. All-American. He played professional basketball in Australia for two years. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame at McMurry in 1997. He was a member of Southside Church of God in Christ and Macedonia Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Payne Watkins. Maternal grandparents; Henrietta Washington Payne and Willie Payne, Sr. Paternal grandparents; William Edward Cruse and Beatrice Wheeler. Two uncles; Cecil Hill and Willie Payne, Jr. One aunt, Bobbie Coplin.

He is survived by his father William Green Cruse. One son, Kennon Balanciere. One sister; Wanda Louise Lowry and Joe. Two brothers; Greg Cruse and wife Nancy and Reggie Cruse. One aunt, Annie L. Jackson. One uncle Earlie Payne, Sr. and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Online condolences may be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com