Larry D. Cranford

Captain Larry D. Cranford, 69, a longtime resident of St. Petersburg and Bradenton, Florida, passed away on October 25, 2013 after a long illness. Born in Little Rock, Ark., Mr. Cranford graduated from the University of Arkansas – Little Rock and retired as a Captain in the US Air Force Reserve in 1975. He was a commercial pilot for Braniff, Piedmont and US Airways. He loved flying and usually referred to his pilot's job as "his hobby." While in retirement in Florida Mr. Cranford often could be found cruising Tampa Bay on his boat or playing a good game of poker. He was preceded in death by his father and mother Elmo and Ophie Cranford as well as two brothers Boyce and Norman. He is survived by his wife Doris, his sons, Chad and Scott, two stepchildren, Mitch Stirewalt and Emily Farris. He is also survived by a sister, Linda Gail Pledger and grandchildren, Zoe, Allie, Brooke, Gage and step-grandchildren, Grace and Hunter. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Rueble Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205. Committal services will be private for the family. Arrangements by Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, Fla. 34207. Private condolences to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.