James Richard

"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 , AR 72104 .

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.