He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Following graduation, he began a career in sales, eventually retiring from Birmingham Magazine.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Sadie; and his wife of 47 years, Annette W. Lee.
He was a member of Pelham First Baptist Church. In his leisure time he enjoyed playing his guitar, watching Alabama football and basketball, and spending time with his family.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Leslie Cranford Richards (Fred); grandchildren, Jaley Cranford Norwood (Will), James Ralph Cranford III “Trey”; great-grandchildren, Lee Thomas Norwood and Luke Cranford Norwood; and three brothers, James (Martha Jane), Charles (Shelby), and Jerry Lee (Glenda).