George "Marshall" Cranford

George Marshall Cranford, age 87, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Nashville VA Medical Center. A fighter all his life, he struggled recently with congestive heart failure and eventually succumbed to pneumonia.
Marshall was predeceased by his loving wife of 45 years, Frances Jackson Cranford, parents, Boyd and Mary Virginia Cranford.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are, daughter and son-in-law, Christy and Kevin Hamilton, grandchildren, Hunter Marshall Hamilton of Dallas, TX, and Lady Frances Hamilton of Auburn, AL, cousin, Bill Dodson of Ft. Myers, FL.
Marshall was born on April 24, 1936, in Lewisburg, Tennessee, the only child of Boyd Hunter and Mary Virginia Talley Cranford. His family moved from Marshall County to Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee in Maury County when he was a child, where his family made their home at the historic Arch Craige home. He attended Columbia Military Academy where he played varsity football as a guard. In 1954, he was distinguished as an Honorable Mention for the All Mid-South football team. His prowess on the field won him a scholarship for postgraduate studies.
Marshall enrolled at Middle Tennessee State College and walked onto the football team. Sidelined by an injury during spring practice, he decided to transfer to Vanderbilt University where he joined the ROTC. Motivated to focus more intently on his academics, he transferred to Tennessee Polytechnic Institute. He graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1959 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. Completing US Army Ranger School, he was recognized as a sharpshooter and jumpmaster. He retired in 1962 as 1st Lieutenant, Infantry Unit Commander in the 101st.
After his Army service, Marshall embarked upon a new journey. He joined Blair, Follin, Allen, & Walker, a local insurance brokerage firm. There, he honed his expertise and became a Chartered Life Underwriter. Over the next 25 years, Marshall excelled in sales and management roles within the firm. Eventually, through mergers and transformations, the firm evolved into Willis Corroon.
In 1984, Marshall took a bold step and founded his own insurance company: G. Marshall Cranford and Associates. This venture allowed him to shape his own path in the insurance industry. During his career in insurance, he won many awards, including Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table. Marshall loved the insurance business, and his colleagues and clients transformed into numerous friends along the journey. One of his most treasured friendships was with longtime mentor and trusted friend, Jack B. Turner, a true leader in the industry. Sadly, due to his profound hearing loss, Marshall retired in 2002.
His greatest relationship was with his Lord, whom he accepted early in his life. He was a lifelong member of the churches of Christ where his memberships included the congregations at Main Street in Mt. Pleasant, Madison, Goodlettsville, Woodmont Hills, and Owen Chapel. Throughout his life, he served as Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and in many other capacities.
Second only to his relationship with God, was his devotion to his wife and family. Marshall married the love of his life, Frances Jackson in 1960. Their union was blessed by a daughter, Christy, seven years later. Christy's union with Kevin Hamilton brought a son into his life, and eventually grandchildren. Marshall was a loving, loyal grandfather who doted on their achievements.
Marshall had many interests throughout his life, but education was chiefly among them as a supporter of his alma mater CMA and later Columbia Academy. He also worked tirelessly as the curator of the CMA museum. He attended as many CA events as his health would permit. Special appreciation to Mr. And Mrs. James Thomas, Mrs. Jim Thomas, and the late Jim Thomas.
The family is grateful for the CMA Alumni Association especially Robin Salze, John Bass, Skip Snow, Woody Pettigrew, Bill Wade, and Becky Moon.
Marshall had many special relationships over his lifetime, the family would like to recognize Dan Harrell, Mr. and Mrs. Perry Knight, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Russell, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Adamson, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Turner, Dr. and Mrs. Patsy Gaw, and Mr. and Mrs. Keith Edwards, Winston Schepps, Ed Johnson, Baird Harris, Woody Woodward, and Bob Shackleford for their enduring friendship.
Many thanks to Marshall's caregivers: Mili Pena, Miriam Matyola, Deidra Mitchell, Deidre King. He loved and depended upon you for so much. His dedicated physicians: Dr. Grady Lee Bryant, Jr., Dr. Scott Dube, Dr. Thomas Dinella, Dr. Robert Sinard, Dr. Shiayin Yang, Dr. Jonathan Hoda, Dr. Nassif Azzi. Special thanks to Nashville VA Medical Center, especially Robert Weber, FNP, for your endless care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Owen Chapel church of Christ or Columbia Academy.
Visitation with the family will be at Owen Chapel church of Christ on April 14, 2024, from 2:00-3:30 with service to follow.