Samuel C. Cranford Jr, 64, passed peacefully on Saturday, October 8th, 2016 at VA Medical Center’s Hospice House in Hampton, Virginia. Samuel (Sam) was born on August 10th, 1952 to Samuel and Joyce Cranford in Norfolk, VA. He was a veteran of United States Navy.

We will remember our brother Sam, as kind, funny, a little eccentric and quite stubborn. Most of all we will remember how much he loved us.

Sam grew up in the Indian River section of Chesapeake. He played little league, chased critters in the creek behind our home, rode his bike and popped wheelies, and loved to play pranks on all of us. Bo, as his family called him, loved nature from a tiny guy until his last days on this earth. Whether the sun was shining or it was bitter cold he craved to be outside, in the fresh air.

He joined the Navy right out of high school. His hopes were to serve his country and to make his family proud. During this time he was diagnosed with a severe mental illness, schizophrenia. Our brother would never be the same happy go lucky kid we knew. This disease is brutal and that is all we have to say about it.

After many years of struggling with mental illness, he found a safe haven at New Horizons VA Home in Smithfield,VA. His caregivers grew to love him and his family is so appreciative that he felt this was home. New Horizons is in a country like setting where he could always be outside, close to nature.

Our happy memories included coming for visits and seeing his huge smile, arms open for a big loving hug. Bo stood over 6 feet tall and was lanky. He loved old time Rock n Roll, had a funky sense of rhythm, and enjoyed an obsession with jewelry, especially silver. He was usually pretty laid back and loved to go out for a steak with us when we came for a visit. His best day was exploring pawn shops and haggling with owners over jewelry, and he usually won!

Most everyone his entire life would say Sam was a sweet guy who loved to make people laugh. We love and miss him, and always will.

Sam is survived by his sisters, Carolyn Linehan and Mary Van Ostrand, and his nephews, Donald Newhart, Jr. (DJ) and Nicholas Linehan (Nick). He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel C. Cranford, Sr. and Joyce A. Cranford.

A Graveside Service will be held on October 13th, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Chesapeake Memorial Gardens, 524 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, Virginia.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans and the Wounded Warriors.

The family will receive quests at Carolyn’s residence, 3309 Rokeby Ave, Chesapeake, VA, directly following the Graveside Service.

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Thank you, Mr. Cranford for your service to our country.

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