Walter Ralph Cranford Jr, 86, died peacefully on February 23, 2026, at his home in Huntingtown, Maryland. He was born January 13, 1940, in Prince Frederick, Maryland to the late Walter Ralph and Beaulah (Trott) Cranford. He grew up on the family farm in Huntingtown. He graduated from Calvert High School in 1958 and married Joan Elizabeth Weisman on July 18, 1959.

After losing both parents at the age of 16, Ralph became the patriarch of the family. His humility, generosity, and strong sense of integrity shaped how he lived, teaching others to value their family, offer help whenever needed, and always do right by people. He carried these qualities with a quick wit and a dry sense of humor that endeared him to everyone who knew him.

Alongside his work on the farm, Ralph served as the Division Chief for the Department of Building and Grounds for the Calvert County Government, retiring in 2003. Even in retirement, he never slowed down-continuing to work tirelessly on the farm and enjoying time spent fishing, hunting, crabbing and traveling with his family.

A talented softball player, Ralph pitched for many championship teams, including Chesapeake Housing—1978 State Softball Champions—and Duffy’s Three, who went on to compete in the 1984 U.S. Softball World Series in Miami.

He is predeceased by his wife, Joan Cranford, sister, Shirley Mae Gibson, and brother, John Gibson Cranford. He is survived by his daughter, Lori DeBolt, and her husband, Michael, of Huntingtown, and grandchildren, Holly Georgetti (Steve) of Ellicott City, MD., and Steven DeBolt (Jessica) of Chesapeake Beach, great grandchildren Carter, Ellie, and Austin Georgetti, sisters Thelma Baesman and Jean Cranford, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Huntingtown Fire Department.