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Billy Duane Cranford, 65, of Garrison, Texas went to be with the Lord on July 1, 2021, at Stallings Court Rehabilitation Facility in Nacogdoches, Texas. The Service will be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, with visitation occurring at 10:00 am and the funeral to follow at 11:00 am at Cold Springs Baptist Church in Garrison, Texas.
He was born in Houston, Texas to H.T. “Bobby” and Louise Marie Wright Cranford. Billy attended school in Garrison and graduated in the 1973-1974 school year. Billy attended Panola College where he received a degree in Metallurgy and Welding. Billy was a Certified Welder, Journeyman Pipe Fitter, and Journeyman Millwright. Billy had a welding business for many years called Ramrod Welding after working in Alaska for many years. Billy always had a passion for horses, enjoyed playing baseball, and boxing alongside his brother Bobby Dale in his younger years. Even as a young child, Billy had a way with people and with his outgoing personality, never met a stranger. As an adult, he enjoyed playing softball, bowling, boating, and water skiing. Billy loved to travel as well.
Billy came to know Jesus as his personal Savior at an early age and was a devoted Christian. After singing a special at Mt. Union Baptist Church, he acquired a passion for singing for the Lord. Billy loved the Lord Jesus Christ and sang in churches all over Texas and even carried a revival tent to Alaska singing all over Alaska to the Natives and other people living in that area with Billy Cranford Ministries. He would have local pastors give a short message and an invitation after his singings. Many came to know Jesus as their personal Savior due to Billy’s efforts in Alaska. Billy’s ministry also involved singing and visiting at the County Jail and at Nursing Homes. The voice that the good Lord blessed Billy with was amazing and so special to so many. Billy loved his family. His three children and two grandchildren were his life and his love for them kept him going when many would have given up.
Through diabetes, many years of dialysis and even losing his leg, Billy always had a good outlook on life and always loved life, living it to its fullest. He enjoyed riding around, checking out the scenery on the back roads, and sitting by the lake talking about anything and everything with his son, Kolton, in recent years. He enjoyed his youngest grandchild, Mackynzie, still being a teenager and all that she was involved in at school. Billy was definitely not one to not do much. He wanted to be out and about visiting and traveling. That was his personality; on the go. Billy was a character, unique, and true to who he was and he will be missed greatly by many.
Billy was preceded in death by H.T. “Bobby” Cranford, father, Louise Marie Wright Cranford, mother, William “Bill” Otis Wright, maternal grandfather, Georgia Louise Hair Wright, maternal grandmother, William Virgil Cranford, paternal grandfather, Orbin May Fowler Cranford, paternal grandmother.
Billy is survived by children: Jennifer Loren Cranford, daughter of Nacogdoches, TX, Misti Brooke Cranford, daughter and Cody Bass of Nacogdoches, TX, Billy Kolton Cranford, son of Nacogdoches, TX. Billy is survived by grandchildren: Landyn Cranford, grandson and fiancé Shelby Husband of Ruston, LA and Mackynzie Cranford, granddaughter of Nacogdoches, TX. Billy is survived by siblings: Bobby Dale Cranford and wife Kathyleen, brother and sister-in-law of Forney, TX, Sharon Clifton and husband Dan, sister and brother-in-law of Garrison, TX and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.
Pallbearers will be Landyn Cranford, Jamey Clifton, Ryan Clifton, Shane Cranford, Bryan Chadwick, and Jeff Cranford. Honorary Pallbearers will be George Muckleroy, Danny Cranford, Danny Haltom, Joey Cranford, and Justin Key.
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