James Michael "Mike" Cranford

James Michael "Mike" Cranford, 70, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2016. Funeral services will be at 3:00PM on Friday, July 1, 2016 in the chapel of Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, with the Reverend Joseph Shippen officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Family will greet friends between 5:00-7:00PM on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at the Cupola. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pine Pointe Hospice, 6261 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia 31210. Mike was born in Washington, D.C. and has lived in Macon, Georgia since 1948, when his mother and father returned after World War II. He had over 45 years experience as a successful business owner and was an attorney in solo practice for nearly 30 years. In addition to his law practice, he served as a City Council Member for the City of Macon in a city wide seat from 1995-1999 and was reelected to City Council in March of 2005, where he served as a chairman for the appropriations committee during his last term. He had been an active member of the community working with youth for over 45 years in sports, education, recreation and scouting. He lectured throughout the community and state on issues pertaining to youth, law and government. In addition to his law practice, Mike thrived on the competitive edge flat track racing motorcycles in the senior division. He had been in the top 10 for the past 9 years and had currently achieved his third consecutive championship in the state in the senior division. He also enjoyed scuba diving, mountain climbing and boxing. Survivors include his wife, Teresa Marie Cranford of Macon; children, William Bodie Pilcher (Kim) of Byron, Heather Iris Fields (Nic) of Tennessee, James Michael Cranford, Jr. of Macon, and Christopher Michael Cranford of Macon; four grandchildren, Amanda Pilcher of Cochran, Ashley Powell (Kyle) of Byron, Dillan Spicer of Tennessee, and Marissa Spicer of Tennessee; three great grandchildren, Brodeigh Pilcher of Cochran, Gabriel Capps of Tennessee, and Savannah Spicer of Tennessee; mother, Wanda Lovell Cranford of Dawsonville; and two sisters, Sherry Lee Weeks (Bill) of Dawsonville, GA, and Susan Kay Dillard (Mike) of Athen, GA; and one brother, Julian "Jay" Cranford (Jan) of Macon. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.