William Henry "Hank" Cranford Jr.

Hank crossed the bar to his heavenly home at age 80 on June 9, 2024 at home surrounded by his family after a lingering illness. He is the only son of the late William Henry Cranford and Dora Crocker Cranford and was born on January 6, 1944 in Smithfield, N.C. He is survived by "His Bride" of 55 years Dr. Sharon Bradsher Cranford, his beloved children Elizabeth Kaye Seagle (Mark), William H. Cranford, III (Kristen), Victoria Marie Galliera (Steve), granddaughter Henleigh Marie Cranford, sister-in-law Donna Shaner (Dave) and adopted grandchildren Josh Hill and Jerrica Perkins Mazimba.

His life was well lived loving God, family, and country. He served as an Elder, teacher, and choir member at First Presbyterian of Kannapolis. He was a Mason (St. John's Lodge #1), 32nd degree and Shriner, Scout Leader, served on Cabarrus County Junior Achievement Board, a Gideon, loved music singing with the Piedmont Singing Men, and attended Bible Study Fellowship. He graduated from UNC-Wilmington and his testimony followed him as he worked 30 years with Schering Plough/Merck Pharmaceuticals and was known as "The Bow Tie Man."

He was devoted to his wife and children. He and Sharon traveled the world, enjoyed playing golf, and devoted themselves to studying God's Word through BSF. He prided himself on never missing his children's ball games or school functions and bringing them up in the church. He was a proud parent and loved being their Dad, knowing they are a gift from God.

Hank served in the US Navy on a destroyer and later in the Reserves. He was a true patriot knowing God ordained and blessed this country.

Hank will lie-in-state on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 201 Vance St. Kannapolis, N. C. in First Presbyterian Church of Kannapolis. A service honoring his life will follow and begin at 12:00 p.m. with full military honors.   The service of celebration will be livestreamed and can be viewed on First Presbyterian of Kannapolis website.  Visitation and a reception will follow the service in the church's fellowship hall from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Carolina Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel.

The family requests no flowers but memorials may be made to First Presbyterian of Kannapolis 201 Vance St. Kannapolis, N. C. 28081 or to Bible Study Fellowship | 19001 Huebner Road San Antonio, TX 78258.