Gary Kenneth Cranford

Dateline: Bakersville, NC

G Kenneth (Red) Cranford graduated from Bowman High School in Wadesboro, NC. He was an exemplary athlete with a particular love of football and wrestling, becoming an NCHS AA Wrestling Champion. He went on to serve his country faithfully during the Vietnam War, surviving the Battle of Khe Sahn during the Tet Offensive. He stayed with the Marine Corps for two more years playing football. He trained as a master carpenter, worked construction throughout the NC/SC region, and eventually retired from UNCC. He was a member of Roan Mountain Baptist Church. He was an avid Tar Heel fan. He loved his dogs and never met a baby or child who didn’t love him. He was a good, honorable man, who everyone considered a friend. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and son. He adored his wife and adventures with her more than anything.

Survivors include: his wife, Patricia Grant Cranford, one daughter, Tara Cranford Teague (Jason), granddaughter, Jocelyn Teague, grandson, Dashiel Teague, brother, Ronnie Cranford, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: parents, Clayton Franklin and Lillie Lett Cranford, sister, Deborah Hawkins, and brother, Steve Cranford.
A private graveside service will be held Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Green Young Cemetery at 2:00PM with Rev. Russell McKinney officiating. Interment will follow the service. Memorials may be made to: Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
Henline - Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Cranford family.

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