Rev. Robert Terry Cranford, age 75, of Branford, Florida, passed away on January 14th 2026.Terry was born March 31, 1950 to William and Louise Cranford, on the family homestead in Branford, FL. He graduated from Lafayette High School in 1969, where he served as student council president, was active in FFA, winning the state harmonica championship, and a member of the parliamentary procedure team. Terry also played football as center for the Hornets. After graduation, he attended North Florida Jr College and received a certification in drafting and was hired on at Alltel as a draftsman and was also employed at Copeland Sausage.

Terry obeyed the Lord's call into the ministry and was ordained at Midway Baptist Church of Mayo.He was a member of a youth revival team and later The Bellfords, a group that traveled around the state, leading music and revival services. During one of those revivals in Brooker, Fl, he met the love of his life, Dottie. After a whirlwind romance, they were married on July 27, 1974 at Brooker Baptist Church. That church would be the first church he pastored. He would further his ministry, serving as pastor at Airline Baptist in Mayo, Mt. Pleasant in Wellborn, First Baptist Church of Lake Butler and lastly, Rock Sink Baptist Church of Old Town, where he retired in 2016.

During his ministry he attended Baptist Bible Institute (now Baptist University of Florida) in Graceville, FL where he received two bachelor's degrees, one in Theology and one in Music Theory/Voice. While attending BBI, he served as music and youth minister at Beulah Baptist Church in Dothan, AL and First Baptist Church of Cottondale, FL.

Terry came from a family of law enforcement officers, and was proud to have served as a deputy for both Lafayette and Union Sheriff's Departments.

He was an avid hunter and thoroughly enjoyed hearing his beagles, better known as the "pocket rockets", run and was always delighted to cook on the back of his Sammi for friends and family.

In his later years he enjoyed being a Facebook comedian, with quite the following both near and far.

Through all his diverse activities and employments, he always took any and every opportunity to share the love of Jesus. That was the very most important thing in his life.

Robert Terry is survived by his beloved wife of 51 and a 1/2 years, Dottie, and their children, daughter Karen Ann Cranford Norton (Travis) of Old Town and son, Matt Cranford of Branford, FL. He is also survived by his sister, Glenda Cranford and brothers, James Cranford, his wife Laura, and Keith Cranford, and his wife Sang, all of Branford.

Terry was the proudest grandfather in the whole entire world to 6 grandchildren, Kelley-Ann "Kiki" Norton, Cooper Norton, Layton Cranford, Mavery Cranford, Cody Norton and Tyler Land.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22nd at Mt Paran Baptist Church from 5-7pm. Funeral service will be conducted at 11 AM on Friday, January 23rd at the Cranford residence (971 State Road 349, Branford, FL) with Rev. Fred Edwards and Rev. Dolye Bell, officiating. Internment will follow at Metta Rose Cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Florida Baptist Children's Home or Florida Sheriff's Boys Ranch

Please sign the online guestbook and keep the family in your prayers.