James Richard Cranford

Mr. James Richard Cranford, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at age 93. He was born May 6, 1930, in Forsyth County, NC, to the late Acie Thomas Cranford and Delia Agnes Hailey.

Mr. Cranford has been a member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church for most of his life. He served in the United States Air Force from 1950-1970, before retiring as a Master Sergeant after 20 years of dedicated service. He became a member of VFW Post 9010 in Clemmons, NC, where he served a term as Commander and served on the Honor Guard for 8 years.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Bertie Oneita Cranford; and older brother, Bill Cranford.

Left to cherish his memory are his two sons, Danny E. Cranford and wife Vickie of Winston-Salem, NC, and Gary L. Cranford and wife Ann of Sharpsburg, GA; two daughters, Linda C. Stanley of Clemmons, NC, and Jan C. Rowan and husband Mike, of Panama City, FL; sister, Barbara Swaim of NC; brother, Jack Cranford of Maryland; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 25, 2023, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, At 10:00 AM at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church Cemetery , 4265 Ebert Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, with Rev. Joe Collins, D. Min. and Chaplain Benn Fleming officiating.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Richard’s caregiver, Aaron Cranford.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of the following organizations: Well Care Hospice, 146 Dornach Way, Advance, NC. 27006, or to VFW post 9010, 4675 Hampton Road, Clemmons, NC. 27012.