Edward William Cranston, Jr.

Edward William Cranston, Jr., (Ned) 83, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, passed away following a brief illness on Friday, December 20, 2019, surrounded by family.

He was born to Edward and Nona Cranston, Sr., on June 21, 1936, in Towson, Maryland. “Ned” graduated from Towson High School as a three-sport varsity athlete in 1954. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan Ellen Stutzka, in 1957. They were married for 62 years. Ned proudly served in the US Army and the Maryland National Guard, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He worked for many years as a carpenter and construction field superintendent prior to co-founding the Lake Falls Construction Company. During his years with Lake Falls, the company built numerous facilities, including the Maryland Correctional Institution in Jessup, Carroll County Community College in Westminster, multiple projects at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds and US Naval Academy, and Mason Dixon Baptist Church, where Ned and Joan were members prior to their move to South Carolina.

Ned was known for his generous and loving spirit and enjoyed supporting the American Cancer Society, the Special Olympics, and numerous veteran’s organizations; he and Joan also provided scholarships for college students. He was an avid player-turned-fan of baseball and fast-pitch softball, was a fervent but frustrated Orioles fan, and enjoyed listening to bluegrass and southern gospel music. He was a committed Christian and ordained as a deacon by Long Green Baptist Church in Long Green, Maryland.

He will be remembered for his ready laugh, unfailing work ethic, his strong commitment to God, and unceasing love for his family. He was preceded in death by his younger sister, Sandy Francis, and his memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving wife, Joan; children Jeff Cranston (Darlene) and Kelly Weigandt (Wayne); grandchildren Tiffany, Lauren, Corey, Christian, Emily, and Carrie; five great-grandchildren; sister Dolores Pass, and many family and friends.

A remembrance service will be held in his honor on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Mason-Dixon Baptist Church in New Freedom, Pennsylvania. A private family burial will also be held at the Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens in Cockeysville, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse (Operation Heal Our Patriots) samaritanspurse.org/giving/memorial or Mason Dixon Baptist Church, 713 Campbell Road, New Freedom, PA  17349.

Condolences may be made at www.cremationservicesdirect.com

Cremation Services Direct of Myrtle Beach (843.651.1194) is assisting the family with arrangements.

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