Mr. Merian Gray Cranfill, Sr., 86, died at his home in Mocksville.

He was born on April 6, 1930 in Forsyth County to Zeno Hasten Cranfill and Cora Cook Cranfill.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Surviving: his wife, Patsy Tysinger Cranfill; a daughter, Trish Leazer (husband Keith); a son, M.G. “Chuck” Cranfill Jr. (wife Susan Cavanaugh); and 5 grandchildren, Penny Belk, Nikki Whittaker (husband Clark), M.G. “Grayson” Cranfill III, Seth Cranfill, and Shannon Leazer (wife Heather); a sister, Jewell LaVoo (husband Hank); 9 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In 1948, he graduated from Reynolds High School and later attended Wake Forest Business College. He was a lifelong member of Salem Baptist Church and attended Calvary Baptist Church. He was a former employee of Bocock-Stroud, Sportsman Supply, and retired after 22 years with the NCR Corp. After retiring, he volunteered at Baptist Hospital and the Storehouse for Jesus until his eyesight failed. He loved sports and played in the City of Winston-Salem softball league in the 50s and 60s. He was a generous man and touched the lives of many. He had a great sense of humor and was constantly making people laugh.

A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 14 at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel with Pastor Floyd Boles officiating. The family received friends prior to the service at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel.

Memorials: A Storehouse for Jesus or the donor’s choice.

Condolences: www.hayworth-miller.com.