Reverend Billy Joe Cranford

Reverend Billy Joe Cranford Billy Joe Cranford, was born January 3,1942, to the union of Joesephus Cranford and Maggie Sue Hill-Cranford in Texarkana, Arkansas. His friends and family called him *BJ* for short. He married Rosie L. Cranford, the love of his life June 5, 1982. They remained married for forty-one (41) years. Rev. BJ, attended Charles Brown Elementary school in Louisiana and went on to attend EO Smith Junior High and graduate from Jack Yates Senior High School both in Houston, Texas. He accepted Christ at an early age. After graduation he enlisted in the United Sates Marine Corps, he advanced through the ranks obtaining the rank of E-4 and had charge of 18 Marines in his squad and they all made it home safely from Southeast Asia (Vietnam). He faithfully served from May 1962 to March of 1968 receiving many commendations and an honorable discharge. Rev. BJ Cranford received a certificate to preach the gospel at his home church in Houston, Texas July 1, 1980 and was later ordained at Risen Lord Mission Church in Kansas City, Missouri July 7, 1996 by Rev. / Pastor Charles Bell, Jr. BJ, attended Broadcasting School in Columbia, Missouri, he went on to work at Bendix as an Electrical Mechanical Inspector in 1970 from there he worked at the Raddison Hotel where he met and served President Gerald R. Ford, he got an presidential autograph and also danced with one of the Presidents daughters, he then worked at Clarita*s Beauty Salon after receiving his cosmetology license. He finished his working career retiring from the KU Medical Center Environmental Service Department in 2000. He was a proud member of Greater ST. Matthew MBC. He read and constantly studied the Bible. He taught Sunday School, served as an Associated Minister, helped the deacons when they were shorthanded, served with the Fellowship District as First Vice President of the Evangelistic Order and the State Home Mission Board. He enjoyed counseling, meeting and greeting people with a big smile. Rev. BJ, was also musically talented. When he was in the world he played with a band called the *Tornados* as a drummer. In church he preached and sang in the choir and even preformed solo*s until his health began to decline. Rev. BJ Cranford is proceeded in transition by both parents, his brothers Roy Cranford, Don Cranford and Jimmy Cranford and daughter Talanse L. Cranford. He is survived by his loving wife of the home Rosie L. Cranford; sons Omar Cranford(LaTonda) and Ryan Y. Cranford; daughter Passion Cranford of Shreveport, LA; his brother Morris Cranford; three granddaughters Kanisha Cranford, Anissa Cranford and Kayla Cranford, a host of cousins nieces, nephews, relatives, church family and many friends. Funeral Service held Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 Visitation: 9:00-11AM~ Service 11:00AM Greater ST. Matthew MBC 2835 Indiana Kansas City, MO. Rev. Nathan Buie, Sr. / Pastor Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas. Professional Services entrusted to ELITE Funeral Chapel 11525 Blue Ridge Blvd. Kansas City, MO. 816.765.0141. Malcolm Morris, Funeral Director.