David R. Cranford

David Richard Cranford, 96, of Hot Springs, Ark., went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 13, 2023.

He was born to the late Robert and Tennie (Church) Cranford on Monday, Oct. 4, 1926, in Little Rock, Ark.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Tennie Cranford, and his siblings, Charles Franklin Cranford, Calvin Eugene Cranford, Robert Cornelious Cranford, Robert Cornelious Cranford Jr., Louise Cranford Rankin, Lilly Cranford Lantz and Bonita Cranford Williams.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Joan Wilson Cranford; children, “Allen” and Caroline Cranford, Paul Wayne Cranford, “Jason” and Angel Wilkerson, and “Phillip” and Morgan Wilkerson; grandchildren, “David Ray” and Anndi Cranford, Shalla Jean Jackson and “Marie” and Stefano Zambrano; great-grandchildren, Aidan Jackson, David Allen Jackson, Layla Jackson, Jason Wayne Wilkerson Jr., Shawn Daniel Wilkerson, Leah Beth Wilkerson, Haley Wilkerson, Lainey Wilkerson, Xander Jace Zambrano, Ryan Brooks Cranford and Jake Tyler Cranford; special friend, Shannon Wilkerson; the Levi and Lace Square Dance Club; along with numerous other family and friends who all love him and will miss him dearly.

He was a loving husband and father. He retired from the United States Post Office in 1985. He served in the military for two years. He was a member of Piney Baptist Church for 22-plus years.

Pallbearers include Jason Wilkerson Sr., Jason Wilkerson Jr., David Ray Cranford, Aidan Jackson, David Allen Jackson, Phillip Wilkerson, Stefano Zambrano and Tommy Watkins.

His celebration of life will be held at noon today, March 16, 2023, with the visitation an hour prior at Piney Baptist Church: 3150 Albert Pike Road, Hot Springs, AR 71913.

Donations may be made to Piney Baptist Church to support the youth, children or music ministry.