Ernie Cranfield
Ernie Cranfield, 69, of Ringgold, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
Ernie had lived most of his life in the North Georgia area where he was a 1973 graduate of Chattanooga Valley High School. While in High School, Ernie excelled in football and baseball. He was recruited out of high school to play football but decided to join the Navy and play baseball. Following his time in the Navy, Ernie played semi-pro football for the Atlanta Generals. His love for baseball continued and he enjoyed being at the ball fields coaching little league baseball.
Ernie had several careers in his lifetime, and he was often heard saying that he was a Jack of all trades and a master at none. But, as you would slowly find out, Ernie was good at whatever he set his mind to. Ernie loved horses and he became a horse trainer. He trained Thoroughbred Horses and his horses had over 500 wins and one of his horses finished second in the Preakness. He also trained Quarter Horses and he had the privilege to train many horses over the years including Burt Reynolds Horses. He also trained internationally spending time in Dubai.
While living in Philadelphia training horses, Ernie found a new love of motorcycles. He started riding with friends and then he began to build motorcycles. Ernie loved building the motorcycles and he also had an eye for artist who could paint unique designs for each bike.
One of Ernie’s biggest loves was music. He had a long and memorable music career. When he was in high school, he played the Bass guitar for the group “Aura”. He worked with American Stage for many years having toured with Black Oak Arkansas, Alabama, and Guns and Roses as a guitar tech and stagehand. Fun fact about Ernie, he was once in and Almond Brothers music video, “I’m No Angel”. While he was working with Mid-America Production he was closely involved in the start of Riverbend. Later in life, Ernie owned and operated Diamondback Production and Back Line Service. He was a member of the Musicians Union Local 140.
Ernie lived his life to the fullest. He loved his family and friends dearly and he was fiercely loyal to them. He had a strong will and a mind of his own which allowed him to be successful in all of his endeavors. He had a love of Gibson guitars, and he was an avid Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, and Georgia Bulldog fan. He will be dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his father, Troy Cranfield; and his mother, Johnnie Trotter.
Survivors include his wife of 10 years, Amanda Hill Cranfield; stepson, Will Henderson; brother, Steve Carter; and his beloved dogs, Toby and Rosie.
Condolences may be shared with the Cranfield family at www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 17, at 3 p.m. in the South Crest Chapel. The family requests that you attend the funeral with a “Ernie Story” in mind so that you can share.
The family will have a private interment at the Anderson Memorial Gardens in Ringgold.
The family will receive friends on Monday, April 15, from 4-8 p.m. at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, Rossville.