N. Sherrill Cranford, 93, of Newton, North Carolina died on Tuesday, May 8, 2018.

He was born onMarch 4, 1925 in Albemarle, North Carolina and was the son of Nivin Clark Cranford and Delia Little Cranford.

He graduated from Albemarle High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before making a career in the field of education.

Sherrill began his work life as a teacher-coach at Piedmont Junior High School in Charlotte and later at Cherryville High School. He served as principal of Cherryville High School, assistant superintendent of Gaston County Schools and superintendent of the Newton-Conover City Schools (1965-1986).

He was active in professional organizations (NEA Life Member) and served in many leadership positions. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher and choir member.

Sherrill was proud of the strong academic, athletic and activity programs of the Newton-Conover City Schools, but was most proud of his part in the development of Conover School for the severely and profoundly handicapped. He was known as a person who really cared.

Sherrill was a great supporter of American Legion baseball and was fortunate enough, at the age of 15, to play on the 1940 Albemarle Post 76 team that defeated the San Diego, California team in the World Series. He stated many times that he owed his life’s good fortunes to American Legion baseball and athletics.

Sherrill was predeceased by his wife, Mary Anne Carson Cranford, in 2014.  He is survived by his son, Greg, of the home (formerly of Orangeburg, S.C.) and daughter, Christi, of Charlotte.

Sherrill will be buried with a private graveside service at Southside Cemetery in Newton.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Newton, 300 N. Main Avenue, Newton, NC 28658, or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979.

Condolences may be sent to the Cranford Family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com. The Cranford family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Conover, 828-465-2111.