Funeral services for George Belford Cranfill, 81, were held Nov. 10, 2009, at Sunset Home Chapel with Dr. Jerry Smith officiating. Burial was in Clifton Cemetery.

Cranfill was born Nov. 28, 1927, in Graham, the son of Otis and Mamie Swenson Cranfill. He passed away on Nov. 7, 2009, in Clifton.

He attended schools in various locations and graduated from Groesbeck High School.

He graduated from SMU in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. While at SMU, he was a member of the M Association and played football for the Mustangs with the legendary Doak Walker. He was listed on the 1948 football roster as playing center. His sophomore year he played football on the B team. Historic news articles note that he played center and fullback on the Groesbeck High School team.

It is likely that he was related to George Cranfill who founded Cranfills Gap in Bosque County around 1850-1854.

He served in the Navy from June 16, 1948 to Sept. 19, 1950.

He enjoyed dominos and visiting with relatives.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and the Sons of Hermann.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Patsy Cranfill.

Survivors include family members Junelle Johnson of Clifton and Doris Sirkorski of Bryan.