Cornelius "Buddy" Cranford
May 19, 1931 - June 15, 2011

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello ,  AR 71657 6/27/2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Map & Directions Funeral Service First Baptist Church 413 North Main Monticello ,  AR 71655 6/28/2011 11:00 AM Map & Directions   Oakland Cemetery 300 North Hyatt St. Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions

Cornelius 'Buddy' Cranford passed from this life to his heavenly home on June 15, 2011. He was born to Grover and Ethel Cranford on May 19, 1931 near New Boston, TX and was raised at Horatio, AR. He attended Southern State University (SAU) and transferred to the University of Arkansas to study electrical engineering. While in Fayetteville, he married Nadine Ray on February 2, 1955. After graduating he spent two years in the US Army and was stationed at El Paso, TX and Arlington, VA. He held engineering positions with companies in Texas, Delaware, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The family moved to Monticello in 1969 and in 1971 he opened up a TV sales and service shop.

Buddy was a devoted husband and father. He was a committed Christian, sure of his personal faith in Christ and always ready to serve in whatever ministry had need. At various times he served in the church as music director, Sunday School teacher, choir member and deacon. He was an avid outdoorsman, always fond of hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Nadine Ray Cranford of Monticello; his son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Julia Cranford of Ridgeland, MS; his daughter and son-in-law Michelle and Hal Chamberlain of Alton, IL; a sister, Rovene Harris of California. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Clay Chamberlain, David, Phillip, Benjamin, Bethany, Andrew, John Mark, Anna, Hunter and Heather Cranford.

There will be a short visitation before the funeral service at 10:00 a.m.