The Larry J. Cranford Memorial Scholarship was established by Larry J. Cranford's family, friends, and the Wild Turkey Federation.    

Larry Joe Cranford was born in Carthage on September 15, 1950. He was born the son of Lawrence and Velma Lee Jeffress Cranford.

Mr. Cranford attended Gary High School. Following graduation in 1969 he went on to pursue his education at Panola College. A year later he married his high school sweetheart, Ms. Brenda Kay Hall, on May 27, 1970.

After attending Panola College in 1971, Mr. Cranford was employed with the Panola County Sheriff’s Department and the Carthage Police Department. In 1980 Cranford began a 25 year career as a State of Texas Game Warden. He graduated from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Academy in 1979. Cranford’s first duty station was in Hemphill, Texas. Over the span of his career he served the citizens of Sabine, Shelby and Panola Counties.

Mr. Cranford helped establish the “Take a Kid Fishing” tournament on Lake Murvaul. He also supported the efforts of the Panola County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. It was Cranford’s desire that the youth of Panola County be educated in the proper and safe handling of hunting and fishing equipment. 

“Larry wanted to preserve fish and game for future generations,” said Mrs. Kay Cranford. “He enjoyed interacting with young people. His influence is seen today in the lives of many of the young game wardens and law enforcement officers whom he worked with when they were children.”

Mr. Cranford was a lifelong member of the Murvaul United Methodist Church and was a member of the Gary Masonic Lodge #1101. He also enjoyed fly fishing whenever he had the opportunity.

Mr. Cranford was married to Kay Cranford for 33 years and together they had one daughter, Casie Cranford, of the Murvaul Community. Mr. Cranford passed away on March 17, 2004.

“My husband was adamant that everyone should get a college education. He purchased savings bonds every month to make sure that there would be enough money to send Casie to college. His preparation paid off and like her father, Casie attended Panola College before going on to pursue her bachelor’s degree at Stephen F. Austin State University,” stated Mrs. Cranford. “Larry would be very proud of this scholarship. It will influence the lives of young people in a positive way and help those with the desire to earn a college education, accomplish their goal.”

The Larry J. Cranford Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving student. The selection and announcement naming the recipients will be made in the spring each year.