Ricky Cranford

James Richard "Ricky" Cranford, age 57, of Malvern, died Wednesday, August 22, 2012 in Hot Springs. He was born in Malvern on October 4, 1954 to Russell Cranford and Marguerite French Cranford. Reared and receiving his early education in Malvern, he later attended Henderson State University. Ricky studied air conditioning and refrigeration at Ouachita Vo-Tech (now College of the Ouachitas). He entered the electricians apprentice program at Reynolds Metals and went on working for the company for 27 years. Ricky was a motorcycle enthusiast and loved to fish. He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Survivors include his parents, Russell and Marguerite Cranford of Malvern; his brother, Dr. Russell Cranford, II and his wife Kathy of Little Rock; and his sister, Crystal Cranford of Malvern; two nephews, Shawn Cranford and his wife Tiffany, and Russell Cranford, III and his wife Hitomi; two great-nephews, Joshua and William Cranford; one great-niece, Emma Kate Cranford. A memorial service will be held at one o'clock Saturday afternoon, August 25, 2012 in the chapel of J.A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Scott Efird officiating. A visitation will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Stop Animal Cruelty, P.O. Box 1521, Malvern, Ark. 72104. Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.