Johnny Cranford

January 6, 1946 - January 11, 2021

Mr. William Johnny Cranford died Monday, January 11, 2021. A private funeral service will be held at New Union Church Cemetery. Mr. Cranford will lie in state Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 10 A.M. til 4 P.M. at the funeral home. Johnny was born January 6, 1946 in Dublin, Georgia, the son of the late Helen Coleman Cranford and John B. “Tot” Cranford. He spent his early years playing baseball, football, and working on the family farm. After graduating from Dodge County High School in 1964 he tried out for The Cincinnati Reds. He served in the US Navy from July 14, 1964 to October 23, 1968and graduated from South Georgia College. In 1969, he married LaVerne Knowles. Johnny and his dad, Tot, founded Cranford Abattoir which they operated until 1983 at which time he began work at Robins Air Force Base. He also was an avid coon hunter and was very involved in Crossroads community and took great pride in being a good neighbor. Johnny was a charter member of the Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, a longtime member of the Eugene Smith Masonic Lodge and Al Sihah Shrine Temple. He was an active member of New Union Baptist Church where he formerly served as a deacon. In his later years, Johnny enjoyed tending his livestock and pine tree farming. Mr. Cranford is survived his wife, LaVerne Knowles Cranford; daughter Beth Jones (Kevin); son Dave Cranford (Shayna); five grandchildren, Callie Cranford, Eli Cranford, Emma Jones, Mollie Jones, and Chap Cranford. Memorial donations may be made to New Union Baptist Church, P.O. Box 4335, Eastman, Georgia 31023. Hardy-Towns Funeral Home of Eastman is in charge of arrangements. www.hardy-towns.com