Dr. Jay N. Cranford Jr.

Dr. Jay Newman Cranford, Jr., 77, died on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in Bryson City, North Carolina. Dr. Cranford was born June 6, 1946 in Moultrie, Georgia to Jay N. Cranford, Sr. and Isabel Davis Cranford. Dr. Cranford earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. For over 40 years, he provided dental care for the residents of Moultrie and its surrounding area. Dr. Cranford was a past president of the Southwest District of the Georgia Dental Association, the Georgia Academy of Dental Practice, as well as the Moultrie Rotary Club. He served on the board of Southern Regional Technical College’s Neuromuscular Massage Therapy Program. He also served as a member of the City of Moultrie’s Historic Preservation Committee. For several years Dr. Cranford volunteered as a coach at the Moultrie Recreation Department. He played in the 1963 South Georgia Championship football game and continued to support the Packers throughout his life. Most importantly, Dr. Cranford served in various positions at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, where he was a member.

Dr. Cranford is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marie Colgan Cranford of Anchorage, Kentucky; his sisters, Judy Cranford Dixon (Herbert) of Moultrie and Carolyn Cranford Chastain of Moultrie; his children, Jay N. Cranford, III (Lynne) of Arlington, Virginia, their children, Jay, Isabel, and Lexi; Marie “Meg” Cranford Haisten (Azhar Khan) of Tallahassee, their children, Brooks, Claire, and Zara; and Alexander Davis Cranford (Lindsey) of Newnan, their children, Reagan, Davis and Laney; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Anglican Church. The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Anglican Church followed by a Committal at Westview Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mark’s Anglican Church or the charity of your choice.