Elbert "Slim" Cranford of Sheridan, Arkansas was born July 9, 1914 in the Belfast, Arkansas the son of the late JohnWilliam and Nora Carlisle Cranford. He was a US Army World War II Veteran having served his country in five campaigns. He retired as manager of the Railroad Retirement Board, was a Baptist, and enjoyed reading. Mr. Cranford was a member of the American Legion Post 856 in Illinois and was awarded a certificate for 60 years of continuous membership and was recognized as being the oldest living member of that post.

Mr. Cranford died Sunday, February 6, 2011 at Sheridan Healthcare and Rehab Center at the age of 96.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Belden, Esper, Dennis, Lonnie, Elmo, Tory and Lester Cranford and his sisters Ora Mills and Viola Ray.

Survivors: Brother, Buford and wife Lillie Cranford of Sheridan and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 11, 2011 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Clyde Chenault officiating. Burial will follow at Jones-Palestine Cemetery near Sheridan. Visitation will also be Friday, from 1:00 P.M. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Palestine-Jones Cemetery, c/o Marilyn Fiser, 653 Hwy 46-North, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150 (OR) Palestine Missionary Baptist Church, 10239 Hwy 35-North, Sheridan,Arkansas 72150.

Pallbearers will be Nick Mayhan, Keith Ramsey, Mike Horvath, Les Horvath, Joe Huggins, Landon Huggins and Dewayne McCain.