Roland "Fred" Cranfill

Roland Frederick Cranfill (Fred) was born September 16, 1933 in Winston Salem, NC to Mattie Comer Cranfill and Harvey Lee Cranfill, Sr.  He passed away September 15, 2023 at Forsyth Memorial Hospital in Winston Salem, NC.

Fred graduated from Walkertown High School in 1952 and became employed by Western Electric.  Soon afterwards he joined the United States Air Force and served four years. Two years of that time he was in Japan.  When he returned home he went back to his job at Western Electric and started night classes at Guilford College.  

Mr. Cranfill was a member of First Baptist Church in Kernersville and sang in the choir approximately 60 years.  He was a Deacon and also served in many other capacities.

After retiring, Fred enjoyed fishing at Oak Island and going out to eat with his friends and family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, William Thomas Cranfill and Harvey Lee Cranfill, Jr.  He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Steward Cranfill,  two sons, Leslie Mark Cranfill and wife Becky and Jeffrey Scott Cranfill and wife Lisa; granddaughters, Katherine Cranfill Henderson and husband Chip and Jessica Cranfill ;  also several nieces, nephews and many friends.

The family of Mr. Cranfill wants to send a special thank you to the health care providers at Salemtowne for giving Fred the loving care he received for the past year.  Also, we would like to thank Forsyth Memorial Hospital emergency room staff and ICU staff for the care given to him and the kindness shown to our family.

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Fred September 21, 2023  at 2:00 p.m. in the Smith Saal at Salemtowne.  The family requests donations be made to Salemtowne Benevolent Fund.  190 Moravian Way Drive, Winston Salem, NC  27106.