Julian Edward Cranford

Julian Edward Cranford, Sr., 88, a resident of Thomasville for most of his life, died Saturday, January 08, 2011 at the Brian Center in Lexington. He was born February 23, 1922 in Thomasville, Davidson County, NC, a son of Lindsay Allen Cranford and Louise Walker Cranford. He was named for Dr. Charles A. Julian, the physician who attended his birth.

Mr. Cranford was a graduate of Thomasville High School and Ashmore Business College. He retired as sales manager of Holly Hill Memorial Park where he was employed 27 years. During the 1950's he owned and operated Oak Grove Grocery and Gas. Prior to entering military service, Mr. Cranford was employed as a ship fitter at Bethlehem Steel's Fairfield Shipyard in Baltimore, MD. The Liberty Ships used to transport cargo and soldiers overseas were built there, along with other types of ships.

Mr. Cranford was a member of VFW Post 2756 and DAV Chapter 20. He was a charter member & former president of the Sertoma Club. He was a member of Park Place Baptist Church, where he'd served as a deacon and sang in the church choir.

Mr. Cranford was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. On March 03, 1943 he was inducted at Camp Croft, SC., then entered active service at Ft. Jackson, SC on March 10, 1943. He received basic training in Miami, FL, attended airplane engine mechanic school at Shepperd Field, TX and Chanute Field, IL, and received gunnery training at Tyndall Field, FL. In Sioux City, IA he received combat training and was assigned to a B-17 bomber crew.

In May of 1944 Mr. Cranford shipped overseas to begin service in the Mediterranean Theatre. He was stationed in Oran, Algeria in North Africa and in Foggia, Italy with the 15th Air Force, 301st Bomb Group, 32nd Bomb Squadron. He flew 51 combat missions over 11 countries on B-17 "Flying Fortress" bomber planes, usually in the position of waist gunner. He participated in six major battle campaigns and invasions. He obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Medals awarded him include the European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Bar, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, 2 Bronze Stars and 1 Silver Star.

After military service, Mr. Cranford returned home to Thomasville. On September 27, 1947 he married Doris Louise Shoemaker. They had three children and two grandchildren. Mr. Cranford enjoyed many activities such as family vacations and camping trips. He liked to fish, garden, play cards & dines with friends. He attended local baseball and football games. He enjoyed listening to music and singing. He liked to stay current on news, weather, events and politics. He was very fond animals & children. He especially enjoyed airplane flights with his son Eddie.

Mr. Cranford was preceded in death by his wife, Louise, who died April 8, 1999. He was also preceded in death by his parents Lindsay and Louise W. Cranford; granddaughter, Anastasia Sean "Stacy" Hudson; brothers Charles Edgar Cranford and Ervin James Cranford; sisters Zeffie Irene Cranford, Zola Mae Cranford Robbins, Agnes Blanch Cranford Swink, and Effie Ilene Cranford.

Mr. Cranford is survived by daughters Sandra Kay Cranford Hudson and Karen Jane Cranford, both of Thomasville; son Julian Edward "Eddie" Cranford, Jr. and his wife Kimberly Gwen "Kim" Taylor Cranford of Lexington; granddaugher Laura Paige Cranford of Lexington; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his pet cats Bella, Betty, Orangejello and Mr. Drysdale.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 10 am until 12 noon at Thomasville Funeral Home, followed immediately at 12 noon by a memorial service in their chapel. Burial will follow at Holly Hill Memorial Park. The family will receive friends and relatives at other times at the home of Eddie & Kim Cranford of 1467 Smith Farm Road, Lexington, NC.

The family would like to thank Rebecca Wilson, Sharon Kimsey, Rita Lloyd, Margaret Lackey, the staff of the Brian Center & Hospice of Davidson County for their assistance in Mr. Cranford's care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Rd., 2nd Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814 or to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Lane, Attn: Development Office, Lexington, NC 27292.