On Monday, May 11, 2020, Dr. James Ralph Cranford, Jr., was ushered into eternity surrounded by loving family at the age of 64. Born November 10, 1955 in Mississippi, Ralph received his Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Southern Mississippi and his MD Degree from The University of Mississippi. Practicing medicine in Birmingham for more than 30 years, Ralph lived his life serving others and spent his free time with the people he loved. He had a passion for adventure and enjoyed running and traveling.
Ralph was preceded in death by his father, James Ralph Cranford, Sr.; his mother Billie Jean Sauls Cranford; and his sister, Grace Jean “Cissy” Cranford Beard. He is survived by his devoted wife Amanda Pilkington Cranford, his two children: Jaley Cranford Norwood (Will) and James Ralph “Trey” Cranford, III; two step-children, Mariah Ford Johnson and Regan Ford, and one grandson, Lee Thomas Norwood.
The family will receive friends at Ridout’s Valley Chapel on Friday, May 15, 2020 beginning at eleven o’clock with the funeral service following at one o’clock in the afternoon. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at one o’clock in the afternoon at Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia, Mississippi.
Memorials in memory of Dr. James Ralph Cranford, Jr. may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
