Miles Francis Cranford, age 84, passed away peacefully at the Sublette Center in Pinedale, Wyoming on December 2, 2020. Miles, or "Buddy" as his close family called him, was born in Washington, D.C. on February 18, 1936. He was the son of Andrew Fred and Vera Nevada Sapp Cranford. He had two sisters, Nellie Gasch and Vera Ellen Ritenour. He also had two brothers, Andrew Fred Cranford, Jr and John Evans Cranford.

Miles grew up in Washington D.C. and attended school there. He went on to get a Bachelor's degree in education at D.C. Teacher's college. He taught business classes in Maryland.

Miles met the love of his life, Nancy Louise Newman, while living in Washington D.C. She had come there to live with her sister, Abbey, and worked at the FBI. They got engaged at the Jefferson Memorial after only a short time of dating and were married on September 25, 1957. They had 2 children, Karen Louise and Kevin Miles. They moved to Florida to live near Miles' parents when Nancy was expecting Karen.  While in Florida, Miles worked as a teacher and after getting his Masters degree in School Administration, he became assistant principal at several middle schools in Southern Florida.  Eventually, Miles and Nancy moved the family to Wyoming where Miles was assistant principal of Rock Springs High School. His daughter, Karen attended high school there.

Miles was a kind, gentle man who loved life and had a great sense of humor. His laughter was contagious! His greatest joy was his love for his family. He was a wonderful husband to his wife, Nancy, and a great father to his children! Home was always his favorite place to be! Miles was an optimist and always saw the good in every situation. He taught his children by example that it was important to love God and family, to be kind to others and to respect their parents and grandparents. He especially loved being able to live near his parents and that's why Miles and Nancy moved to Florida. His children were blessed to grow up near grandparents.

Miles enjoyed many hobbies like watching the Miami Dolphins football team, playing tennis with his daughter, Karen, playing basketball with his son, Kevin, and watching figure skating, but he was an especially wonderful singer and loved music. He sang in a church choir growing up as a boy. As a teacher, he also directed plays. Then later in life, he enjoyed singing with the gospel singing group at his nursing home.

Miles especially loved his 2 grandsons, Scott Rule and David Rule. He felt blessed to be a part of David's life as he grew up. They shared an especially close bond.

Miles is survived by his daughter, Karen (Bob) Rule of Pinedale, Wyoming and his son, Kevin (Jenny) Cranford of Hamilton, Ohio, and his grandson, David Rule, of Pinedale, Wyoming.  He also had three step grandchildren, and five step great grandchildren, from Kevin and Jenny Cranford, and many nephews and nieces.

Miles is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Cranford, and his infant grandson, Scott Robert Rule.  Miles was also preceded in death by his four siblings.

A funeral service was held for Miles on December 5, 2020 at Pinedale Bible Church. Miles was laid to rest beside his wife of 61 years, Nancy Cranford, at Pinedale Cemetery.