Claude Cranford

Claude "Buddy" Montgomery Cranford, 81 departed this life on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at his home in Trussville, Alabama, after an extended illness. He is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-four years, Christine McDowell Cranford. Buddy was born in Birmingham, Alabama on August 8, 1931, to Claude and Marguerite Cranford. In 1950, he graduated from Tuscaloosa High School, where he was a star athlete. Buddy was an All-County and Honorable Mention, All-State halfback on the 1949 undefeated Championship team. Cranford was awarded a scholarship to play football at The University of Alabama in 1950. After playing football for The University of Alabama, he went into the U.S. Army and completed his basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He also served at Fort Benning and Fort Rucker. After being in the military for two years, Buddy attended Livingston University, where he played football. It was there, in 1956, he met and married Christine McDowell. Buddy graduated from Livingston University in 1958. Coach Cranford coached high school football for over thirty years. He coached at Gordo, Ozark, Butler, Tuscaloosa, Pensacola, Leeds, and Birmingham, retiring from Huffman High School. Buddy was an inspiration to many young athletes. Because of his outstanding athletic ability, Buddy was inducted to the Black Bear Hall of Fame in 1971. Alabama Football was very important to Buddy, and he always enjoyed watching the games. Coach Cranford is survived by his children, Donna Katherine (Bob), Kenneth Cary (Gena), and Robert Bradley (Beth); his sister, Janis Elaine Cranford; his six grandchildren, Robert Joshua Haynes (Adrienne), Emily Cranford Pazmino (Hunter), Reed McDowell Cranford, Greyson Bradley Cranford, Lauren Elizabeth Cranford, and Samuel Shaw Cranford; one great granddaughter, Brooklynn Hope Pazmino. Graveside services will be held at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East in the Garden of Love on Friday, March 8, 2012 at 1:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. Most importantly the family wants to thank Janis Cranford, Buddy's loving sister, and Clara Odom, Buddy's loving caregiver, for their time, love, and devotion. The family would like to thank Ala Care Hospice and all the caring friends and family during this most difficult time in our lives. As Buddy often said, "Roll Tide!" Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.