Jimmy Rae Cranford

Jimmy Rae Cranford passed away surrounded by his family on Monday February 5, 2024.

Jimmy was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma to Greta Sue (Fitch) and Bobby Joe Cranford. He attended school in Shidler, Oklahoma before entering the U.S. Navy.

Jimmy married Vicky Taylor and from this union 3 daughters were born.

After serving 20 years in the Navy and retiring, he went back to school for training in the telecommunications industry.

He met his wife Ann during this time and they both worked in telecommunications before opening their own business.

Together they launched A and J Locks, both having become certified locksmiths. They worked in Cushing and many of the surrounding towns. Jimmy loved helping their clients with any type of lock or safe issue.

Riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles was one of his favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed collecting and tinkering with a variety of cars. He modified a golf cart to use at their lake property and enjoyed taking the grandkids and dogs tooling around the country property. He especially loved his dogs, Tanker, Thor, Dotty, and Skipper.

When work allowed, he and Ann spent time working around their country home in Chandler, as well as fishing, and did some traveling. This past summer they both had a break in treatment for cancer and they were able to travel to Georgia to watch their only granddaughter Braelyn play in a softball tournament.

Jimmy wanted to make everyone smile, he had quick wit and always had a joke, or a pun. His daughter Kristi liked to call them Dad jokes. He loved his daughters and grandkids and looked forward to spending time with them any time he could.

Jimmy was a hard worker and wasn’t afraid to tackle any job or lend a helping hand. He did many projects in his home and helped his daughters with home improvement projects as well.

Jimmy was an active member of The American Legion, Donaldson/ Walker Post 108. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepson John Martin Jones.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Ann of the home. Daughters Kristi Curry and partner Michael, Sonia Bailey and husband Kirtis, and Ashley Lucia. Grandchildren Jayson Putney, Jonathan Curry, Braelyn Bailey, Trent Bailey, Sam Lucia and fiancé Ana Tomasi, Wade Goff, and great-granddaughter Aubrey Putney. Brother, Bob Cranford, sisters, Cindy Cranford, and Tonya Ratcliff.

Memorial Service will be at 11:00am Saturday March 2, 2024, at The American Legion building 214 S. Noble, Cushing, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The American Legion, Donaldson/ Walker Post 108, 214 S. Noble, Cushing, Oklahoma 74023 or any veteran’s support group of your choosing.