David Cranford

David Joe Cranford of Little Rock, Arkansas died August 3, 2019 from complications following colorectal surgery. He was 62 years old.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Becky Cranford; daughter, Hannah; mother, Jo DeWitt of Little Rock; stepmother, Sonya Cranford Moser of Cabot; sisters, Norma Breeding (Kenny Breeding) and Cheryl Matthews (Randy Matthews) of Little Rock; many beloved nieces and nephews; and his dogs, Kaydee and Sammy. He is preceded in death by his father, Norman Cranford.

David was born in Little Rock, Arkansas where he lived for the first four years of his life. The next four years he lived  in the Panama Canal Zone where his father was stationed with the United States Army. After moving back to central Arkansas, David later graduated from McClellan High School in 1975. It was during high school and the years following that he began expanding his many talents. He was self-taught in technology, and worked on mainframe computers from 1978-1982. David had one of the very first Apple Macintosh computers in the state of Arkansas. He loved technology and was brilliant in his field. His talents, however, did not stop there. David was licensed as an airplane pilot by the age of 17, earned his twin engine rating soon after, and ultimately earned a commercial pilot license and became a ground school instructor. Still, more of his Creator’s beauty was left to be explored, and David loved to capture that beauty with his camera lens. From aerial photography to the smallest blooms of flowers, he loved to capture moments and creations he found breathtaking. Additionally, he led mountain climbing expeditions in Colorado, enjoyed sky diving, and also excelled in woodworking.

Adventurous as he was, David put a high value on safety. He was EMT certified in 1990, and began a career with the Little Rock Police Department that same year. He was a member of the LRPD SWAT Team, and was an Accident Reconstructionist. In 1994 he received his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. After leaving the police force in 1995, David went back to his first passion: technology. He had a long, successful career in computer IT, wrote software for churches, solved all of his family’s technical issues, and took great pride in his work— both paid and voluntary.

Long after his years serving on the Little Rock Police force, David continued to defend the defenseless, and take up the cause of the oppressed. Caring for, and truly loving others was his honor and his joy. His compassion, met with Becky’s, led the Cranfords to foster care and adoption. In taking this step, they received the miracle of their daughter, Hannah.  David's compassion extended beyond humans, too.  A fierce advocate for abandoned pets, David used his photography skills to help dogs find new, loving owners.  David was confident and opinionated, humble and generous. He loved a good intellectual discussion, and was quick to offer help where he saw a need.  Those who were privileged to know David never doubted that he was proud of them, that he believed in them, and that above all, he loved them.  His love was genuine, and it was a love that overflowed from his relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be from 5pm-7pm Tuesday evening Smith Funeral Home in North Little Rock.

Funeral will be Wednesday, 10am at Little Rock Church.

I lieu of flowers, please consider honoring David’s legacy of compassion by supporting one of these organizations that were near and dear to his heart:

▫️The Call
▫️King’s Ranch
▫️Immerse Arkansas
▫️Paws in Prison
▫️Last Chance Arkansas