Bernard L. Cranford Sr.

Bernard L. Cranford Sr., 69, of Lawrenceville, Ill., passed away Tuesday November 8, 2011 at Lawrence County Memorial Hospital in Lawrenceville, Ill. He was born August 18, 1942 in Little Rock, Ark., the son of Lester and Gertrude (Boyd) Cranford. On February 14, 2002, he married Mary Carol (Leighty) Cranford. She survives. Also surviving are two sons: Bernard L. Cranford Jr. and wife Amy of Brodnax, Va., Timothy L. Cranford, wife Denise, of Alton, Ill. and their mother: Sandra Weaver of Witts Springs, Ark., two sisters: Carole Schneider of Benton, Ark., Kathy Cupples of Sheridan, Ark., a grandson: John M. Cranford, of Brodnax, Va., two step-grandchildren: Jennifer and James Wilkey, and several nieces and nephews. Bernard was a 1960 graduate of Sheridan High School. He was a retired Railroad Detective Captain for the Rock Island Railroad, where he was employed for 26 years. At different times, while working for the Rock Island Railroad, he held credentials as a Texas Ranger and an Arkansas State Trooper. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. A Graveside Service will be conducted Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the Jones-Palestine Cemetery located in Sheridan, Ark. Memorial donations may be given to the Jones-Palestine Cemetery. Condolences may be sent on our website at www.emmonsmaceysteffey.com.