Herbert Lynn Cranfield, 55, of Riceville, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, at his residence after a year-long battle with cancer.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was a son of the late James Clifton and Wilma Marie Lillard Cranfield. He was preceded in death by one sister, Claudia Woods; two nephews, Victor "Butch" Woods and Travis Cranfield; two sisters-in-law, Carol and Karen; and one brother, Lillard Cranfield. He was employed by Athens Products for more than 30 years, and then by Texas Hydraulics. He was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Eastanallee Baptist Church. He grew up in the Tranquility community, where he was known for his athletic abilities in basketball and softball. He held many records at E.K. Baker grammar school and then at McMinn County High School. He was a member of the Webb Plumbing softball team and was one of the first members of the White Oaks Golf Club.

Survivors include his teenage sweetheart and wife of 34 years, Diana Weir Cranfield of Riceville; two wonderful children, daughter, Brooke Cranfield Wilson of Knoxville, and son, Brent Cranfield of Atlanta, Ga.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, James "Bud" and Carolyn Cranfield of Trenton, and Ray and Carla Cranfield of Cleveland; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Clyde and Betty Weir of Riceville; two brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law, Donnie and Janice Weir of Lamontville, and Franklin Woods of Athens; and special nieces and nephews, Treva, Tracie, Ashley, Seth, Tonya, Rebecca and Donnie Lee.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Oran Creasman and the Rev. Ralph Jenkins officiating. Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday in Eastanallee Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Ray Lovingood Sr., Ray Lovingood Jr., T.R. Casteel, Jackie Plaster, Mike Trotter and Jason Lovingood. Honorary pallbearers will be the White Oaks Golf Team.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Faye Forgety, 120 County Rd. 447, Athens, TN 37303.

Those not able to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com