After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University, he served in the US Army spending most of his tour in Germany.
He was employed by the U.S. Department of Defense and was stationed at the Albuquerque Seismological Observatory. He installed and calibrated seismograph stations in more than 100 countries around the world. During this time, he took a leave of absence to attend graduate school at The University of Mississippi in Geophysics. He later worked for the U.S. Minerals Management Service doing geophysical mapping of offshore areas in the Gulf of Mexico. Upon retirement, he moved to Randolph, MS where he farmed and raised cattle until his second retirement.
He is survived by his wife of more than 52 years, Louise Holloway Cran, their son, Clifton Earnest Cran III, one brother, Michael Earnest Cran of Bumpass, VA, one sister, Dorcus Bowlin of Smithdale, MS, and numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, and great-great nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton Earnest and Elizabeth Stanley Cran, siblings Stanley Cran, Martha Cran, Mary Cran, Barbara Cran Gray, and William R. Cran.
Pallbearers will be Leo Mask, Mike Bowen, Mike Aston, Evan Steward, Johnny Ridling and Warren Taylor. Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Spears, Dr. Steve Montgomery, Ricky Britt, James Hubert Aston, Dr. Darryl Hamilton, William Cran, Jeffery Gray, Gary Hamilton, and Anthony Cran.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023 at First Assembly of God Church in Pontotoc, MS, where he was a member. Visitation will be from 12-2 pm with service at 2 pm, Bro. Larry Smith officiating. Burial will follow at the Hartwell-Tutor Cemetery in Randolph, MS. Browning Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Gideon's International, P.O. Box 535, Pontotoc, MS 38863.
