Leonard "Frank" Cranford

Leonard “Frank” Cranford III, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Gainesville, GA on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the age of 76. Born in Macon, GA, Frank grew up in Jefferson GA, ultimately graduating from Tucker High School in the Atlanta area.  He completed his college education at the University of Georgia in Athens. Frank proudly served in combat for the United States Army during the Vietnam war as a Military Policeman, stationed in Danang, Vietnam with the 188th MP Company 504th MP battalion. Upon returning from Vietnam Frank worked in corporate investigations before his retirement.

Frank was a man of strong faith, a good steward, and an inspiration to all who knew him.  He had both wisdom and a quick wit.  Frank had been married for 43 years to his wife Nancy. They lived outside metro-Atlanta in Lilburn, GA almost 30 years before moving recently to Gainesville, GA.

Frank was a member of North Point Community Church where he and his wife served as pre-marital mentors for more than ten years.  He was an active member of the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association, the 504th MP Battalion Association, the American Legion, Cresswind at Lake Lanier Veterans Club, and helped veterans in need at the Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO). He volunteered in his community for years at the Dekalb Juvenile Court and was an advocate and mentor for foster children.  Frank also had a lifelong passion for the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves, being a season ticket holder for over 20 years. 

Frank defied all odds after being diagnosed with lung cancer in both lungs from Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.  Given less than a year to live at age 42, he surpassed all expectations and was affectionately known as the “Miracle Man.” Frank gave the credit to God first, and then to his wife, who he called his “Chief Encouragement Officer.”  He gave hope to so many during his 32-year battle.  Frank is survived by his wife, Nancy, three sons, Russell (Lynne), Randy (Olivia), and Ryan (Abby), five grandchildren, Sierra, Thomas, Raelynn, Levi, and Campbell, and his faithful dog Chipper.  He is preceded in death by his father Leonard Frank Jr and mother Sue Cranford, and grandchild Vlad.

A Celebration of Life will be held at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA at 3:00pm on Monday, October 14th.  A graveside service will be held at Ga National Cemetery in Canton, GA on Tuesday, October 22nd with full Military Honors.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation in Frank’s memory to the Veterans Empowerment Organization at www.VEOHERO.org 

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory are in charge of the arrangements. 

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.

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