William E. “Billy” McCranie, Sr., 70, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Monday, February 1, 2016, at Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Thursday, February 4, 2016, at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Ben Hill County, with the Rev. Greg Carroll officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Wednesday evening at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Mr. McCranie was born March 16, 1945, in Irwin County, Georgia, to the late John Carl & Hildred Irene Walton McCranie. He was a 1963 graduate of Fitzgerald High School. Mr. McCranie retired from Delphi Automotive Systems, having worked for them and the former Delco-Remy for almost 30 years. He coached DLS recreation sports for many years and was an avid Purple Hurricane fan, tuning into the radio broadcast when he was no longer able to attend games in person. He enjoyed cooking and grilling. Mr. McCranie was a member of Crossview Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marjorie Ash McCranie of Fitzgerald; sons and daughters-in-law: William E. “Bill” McCranie and his wife Laurie of Louisville, Kentucky, Scott McCranie and his wife Dee of Fitzgerald, and Brad McCranie of Fitzgerald; grandchildren: Kayley McCranie, Whiddon McCranie, Harper McCranie, Will McCranie, Nathan Mansfield McCranie, and Logan McCranie; four sisters: Laverne Hogan of Fitzgerald, Marianne Whitaker of Thomson, Bonita & Anthony James of Phenix City, Alabama, and Johnnie & Freeman Grimsley of Warner Robins; and a sister-in-law, Nina McCranie of Fayetteville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.