Wilbern Alexander Cranford

Wilbern Alexander Cranford, age 89, of Asheboro died Sunday, March 13, 2011 at Randolph Hospital, Asheboro. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 11:00 am at Fayetteville Street Baptist Church with Dr. Bruce Dickerson and Rev. Jack Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at New Union United Methodist Church Cemetery. Mr. Cranford was a native of Guilford County, was a former insurance salesman with Pugh Funeral Home and was retired from Arch Hosiery. He was a member of Fayetteville Street Baptist Church where he served as treasurer for more than 50 years and was a trustee, musician and deacon. He was an accomplished musician, playing steel guitar for Gurney Thomas and The Hillbilly Pals and played The Grand Ole Opry. Mr. Cranford is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years: Lola Ledwell Cranford. He is survived by daughter, Gwen Trotter and husband Larry of Asheboro; son, Aaron Cranford and wife Brenda of Asheboro; grandchildren, Jeff Myers and wife Libby of Graham, Stephen Myers of Archdale, Lisa Myers of Atlanta, GA, Brian Cranford of Raleigh; step grandchildren, Brent Trotter and wife Julie of Asheboro, Marty Trotter and wife Tina of Asheboro; great grandchild, Emily Myers; step great grandchildren, Bethany Walker, Ashlyn Trotter, Kearns Trotter, Jacob Trotter, Breanna Trotter; sister, Aline Sellers of Elgin, SC; brother, Harold "Junior" Cranford of Florida; special friend, Estelle Branson of Asheboro. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 to 8 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, other times at the home of Gwen Trotter, 2604 Hickory Dr., Asheboro. Memorials may be made to Fayetteville Street Baptist Church, 901 North Fayetteville Street, Asheboro, NC 27203.