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Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Cranson Butler

Passed 05/27/2025

Obituary For Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Cranson Butler

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Cranson Butler of McDonough, Ga entered into rest on May 27,2025

Celebration of Life Services for

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Cranson Butler

Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

Shiloh Baptist Church

262 Macon Street

McDonough, Georgia 30253

Public viewing will be held on:

Friday, June 13, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Interment: Monday, June 16, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery

2617 Vinson Highway

Milledgeville, Georgia 31061


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Condolences & Tributes

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Nijel Butler sent Serene Lily Basket for Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Cranson Butler - June 11, 2025

Send flowers for Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Cranson Butler

St Paul AME Church-Alversia Pettigrew planted 5 trees in memory of Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Cranson Butler . - June 10, 2025

Reggie Spearman sent Beautiful Dreams for Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Cranson Butler - June 10, 2025

Isabella Minter sent Sacred Duty Spray for Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Cranson Butler - June 10, 2025

COL(R) Carl Owens sent Sympathy Spray for Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Cranson Butler - June 10, 2025

Rex, With deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family, with the loss of Cranson. May GOD continue to bless you all and give you the strength to endure his will. Regina

Regina

I've known my brother all his life. He loved his family well. He bestowed nuggets of wisdom at opportune times when life gets interesting. My brother is business and people oriented. Cranson love to do for others. A wonderful memory I have is when I asked him to reenlist me in the Navy and he made a space in his busy schedule to come to my command and re-enlist me. It made the local news because he was my brother. Being Army/Navy rivals never intefered with our closeness as siblings. I will miss my dear brother, Cranny. ❤️ Barbara Butler

Barbara Butler

Mr. Cranson touched so many lives in the very best way. I'm grateful I got the chance to witness his leadership as my mentor and friend. He will be deeply missed. RIH Mr.Cranson 🕊️

Traci Cowell

Sir you're not going to be forgotten! You'll always be remembered as a standup Guy! I enjoyed working with and under your command! May you RIP!

clyde turner

It is an incredible honor to call Cranson friend. We know him to be a man of great integrity, honor, respect, dedication, laughter, love, loyalty, compassion and generosity. His example having immeasurable influence. Over the years he (and Ms. Marion) have encouraged us and celebrated with us. Always willing to share his wisdom. For his family, we pray that the Lord continue to strengthen you in the coming days. That amidst the tears of loss, there also be laughter and joy as his legacy continues to thrive in our lives. Lawrence and I love you. TBIY2C!

Jana Grayson

My Uncle Cranson,

What I have continued to keep in my heart and thoughts when thinking of and now remembering my Uncle was how professional he was. He was squared away all the time! Each time that I would come in contact with him, Top Shelf! Check out his photos! Unk was that guy!

Even though we didn't speak often when we would talk we had deep meetings of the minds. From athletics, the state of the community, spiritual topics or how the world is missing "the standard". We had personal sessions between mentor and mentee.

My experience with Uncle was his upbeat, optimistic, professional, welcoming and caring vibe regardless of what was going down. It is a loss to the world in his passing.

I miss my Uncle. I love my Uncle and I'm glad to have known him to remember him always.

He also knew, loved and feared The Most High! :-)

Your Nephew, Nijel Butler

Nephew Nijel Butler

LTC Butler, my brother in Christ, my colleague and most of all, my friend! I've never met a more positive man that loved his work. He was dedicated to making a positive influence on those that he taught and for those that worked with him. He never got down, even in the face of adversity! He was the consummate professional. I am truly blessed that our lives crossed. I will truly miss him. As he would say "We are Jerzee boyz!" Rest in peace my brother!

Glenn Lowe

Bro Cranson what a gentleman and God's man with love for your fellowman. You walked with us when my husband transitioned. Your light was bright as we followed our Heavenly Father. Condolences to Marian and the Butler Family. RIP my friend. Hanley Family

Hanley Fanily

One of my longtime mentor LTC (Ret.) Cranson Butler! Awesome guy, very well versed and a servant of the most high God, Jesus Christ! Thank you for all the years of your leadership,,inspiration and encouraging words of wisdom! My family and I offer our deepest condolences to his loving family. We love you!

MSG (Ret.) Dexter Jimerson

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Love Jeanette

Jeanette Sanderson

I have many great memories of Crannie from our years as cadets at West Point. He was a founding member of the USMA Cadet Gospel Choir in 1975 along with Paul South '75(D), Joe Foyld '76, Bill Mosby '77, and Gerry Belcher '77.

I am saddened that we will not be able to have him present when we recognize 50 years of performances of the USMA Cadet Gospel Choir at West Point on Saturday 30 August 2025.

On behalf of all the present, former and future members of the USMA Cadet Gospel..we grip hands and salute you and pray for your family.

Rest in peace, my brother,

COL(R) Carl Owens '78 Committee Chairman of the 50th USMA Cadet Gospel Choir Reunion

COL(R) Carl Owens ‘78

He was an outstanding mentor of mine since I was in 9th grade (15 years). Without him, I wouldn't have gotten into and graduated from his Alma mater, West Point. I wouldn't have met a phenomenal group of mentors throughout the Army without him. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am. He was an EXCELLENT mentor. He would always be rooting me on, checking up on me, keeping me spiritually and mentally in check. Colonel Butler was the best mentor I could ask for. I am sending my condolences to his family and friends. He was truly God's gift and I am extremely grateful that the Lord was able to allow me to experience his leadership and friendship on this walk on Earth. Thank you, Colonel Butler. Be Thou at Peace ❤️

Isabella Minter

My life was changed as a result of knowing Cranson. He was my mentor and set such a great example of how to be a man of faith, a loving husband and family man. He put me in a position to know Christ. Also, I was single when I met him with no true desire to be married or have a family but watching how he interacted with Marian and the kids gave me desire to one day have that for myself. And now I'm married with kids. He was truly a blessing in my life. R.I.P. Cranson. You will be missed.

Reggie Spearman

Crannie, rest in peace, Brother. Always positive and amazing friend to so many, it was an honor to be your West Point classmate, fellow faculty member, and friend from years ago. See you in the Promised Land! Mike "Hubie" Hughes, Ph.D., LTC, US Army (Retired) USMA Class of 1977 ) former BS&L faculty member at West Point 1985-88, 1994-1999

Mike Hughes

I will always remember Mr. Butler for his positive attitude and his love for our business family. Also we both were in the Army, he always expressed his love for the Army . Rest Well Brother !

Joe Harris

" TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR A LIFE WELL LIVED" TO MARION ; AND ALL OF THE BUTLER FAMILY!!!!!' WE ARE LIFTING YOU UP IN PRAYER AND WE KNOW THAT OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS WILL CARRY YOU THROUGH UNTIL YOU CAN STAND. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER MAN LIKE OUR COACH CRANSON. CRANSON HAS LEFT A LEGACY AND AND AN INDELIBLE MARK UPON ALL OF OUR HEARTS AND LIVES. " COACH WAS LOVE AND GREATNESS PERSONIFIED AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. WE LOVED HIM SO VERY MUCH AND HIS PASSING HAS LEFT A GREAT VOID IN OUR LIVES. MARION AND FAMILY MAY YOU FEEL THE LOVE FROM OUR LORD AND ALL OF US AND MAY THERE BE A PEACE THAT PASSETH ALL UNDERSTANDING. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO HAVE HAD THE HONOR TO CALL COACH CRANSON OUR BROTHER AND FRIEND. MANY BLESSINGS AND GODS FAVOR. MOMA GLENDA HARRIS/ CHARLOTTE NC/ RODRIGUEZ- BRIDGERS TRUIMPACT TEAM.

MOM GLENDA HARRIS

Cranson was a friend whose very presence brought joy, wisdom, and inspiration to all who knew him. He has a unique smile that welcomed you no matter how you felt. I can say in over 50 years I never knew him to be angry and always pleasant to be around and making a difference. Most recently I had the pleasure of spending time with Cranson in Thomasville, GA with Ambassador Andrew Young and his distinctive voice and ever-present candor left a lasting impression.

Cranson was a true friend. His kindness, consideration, and willingness to put others before himself were evident in everything he did. Whether it was through his work with MECA Enterprises, mentoring within the Atlanta Public School system or a superb military commander, Cranson touched the lives of many with his generosity and spirit. We could go from earnest debate on issues to trading jokes and my respect for him only grew.

As a JROTC instructor at North Atlanta and Therrell High School, he poured his heart into mentoring and developing young leaders. His cadets thrived under his leadership, gaining not just military knowledge, but life lessons that would guide them far beyond the classroom. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to excellence left a mark on all of us. Cranson's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched — through his teaching, his friendship, and his faith. Though we grieve his passing, we celebrate the powerful and enduring difference he made in this world. He lifted spirits, shared wisdom, and left us with unforgettable smiles.

Thank you, Cranson for sharing your wisdom, kindness, and a part of your life with me. You made a lasting impact that I will cherish forever. Rest well for you have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. You will be missed but never forgotten. We look forward to the day when Christ brings us all together again.

We love you brother and may God bless you ALWAYS!

Joseph Lunsford

Crannie was one of the first Cadets I met at West Point. We shared our first summer together and later we were in the same permanent company. He always kept his humor, smile, and positive attitude, despite the new and challenging military and academic environments. He was a great friend, an excellent role model, a devoted husband, and a mentor to many. Crannie, my friend, you will be greatly missed, and I am sure God still has big plans for you! Rest in peace my friend!

John Kappel

Crannie Butler was a dear and close friend from our WP days. We reconnected 5 years ago and started holding company zoom meetings. There is nothing left to say except I will miss his laughter, his positive outlook on life and his genuine concern for people. May God bless CB and his family.

Chuck Holzinger

On the few occasions I got to spend time with Brother Cranston it was always a pleasure. I remember thinking as he participated in my father's home going service how the sound of his distinctive voice was easy to discern and his candor ever present. We could go from earnest debate to trading wisecracks in less than a moment and my respect and admiration would only grow. You will be missed brother but only until Christ brings us all together again. God bless you.

Quinn

Cranson was my mentor when we did the Quixtar business together. One of the best people God brought into my life, kind considerate, caring willing to do for others before himself. Thank you for coming up to me and sharing the business and a part of your life and your family with me. RIP brother love you my friend.

Carl Robinson

Colonel Butler, he was a great person, a great friend to my dad, a great coworker and a mentor to many. The moment he walked into the room, he knew how to lift up everyone spirits. He will be greatly missed, but left us with a smile that was unforgettable.

Jameson B

I have So much to say, about this Mighty Man of God, True Christian Brother, A Great JROTC Instructor and A Awesome Friend of Mine BUT, I'm going to keep it Short and Sweet. I Love this Brother and I'm going to Miss him. I Will see him again on the Other Side. The Bible said In (2 Corinthians 5:8) "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord".

(Psalm 116:15 Amplified Bible) says, 15 [a]"Precious [and of great consequence] in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His godly ones [so He watches over them]. REST IN PEACE MY DEAR BROTHER LOVE YOU, BUT GOD LOVES YOU THE MOST

William & Stephanie Jackson

Lieutenant Colonel Cranson Butler. He was a faithful man of God, a loving husband and father, and a true servant-leader whose life made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

As a JROTC instructor at North Atlanta and Therrell High School, LTC Butler poured his heart into mentoring and developing young leaders. He was the epitome of professionalism, character, and dedication always leading by example. His cadets thrived under his leadership, gaining not just military knowledge, but life lessons that would guide them far beyond the classroom.

He was not only a mentor to students but a loyal and trusted friend to his fellow instructors. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to excellence left a mark on all of us.

LTC Cranson Butler's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched — through his teaching, his friendship, and his faith. Though we grieve his passing, we celebrate the powerful and enduring difference he made in this world.

Rest well, sir. You have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

LTC Ken Johnson (Ret)

Kenneth D. Johnson

Sorry that I will not be able to attend the services for Cranson. I served with Cranson in Atlanta Public Schools JROTC. I had a huge amount of respect for him. He was the consummate professional – he cared about his students, and it showed in everything he did. By his unwavering faith in God, his extensive professional military experience and his strong core values, he touched and influenced the lives of thousands of young people. I have heard said that "it's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived." Cranson scattered a lot of good stuff. Although taken from us too soon, he lived a good life. He made a difference. He will be greatly missed.

LTC Tom Torbert

To a Brother, and to an Uncle: We will miss the Laughter, Serious Talks, Biblical Discussions, Business Sense, Card Games, Your Kindness, and Your Realism!! Nevertheless, Through CHRIST, We Will Spend Time Together, Once Again!!

MAY THE LOVE, COMFORT AND PEACE OF GOD BE WITH US ALL!!! MUCH ❤️

Mark, Vickie & Family

He was such a great man so glad we got the chance to meet and experience what a wonderful man he was .

Aahmad and Minaki Washington

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Watkins Funeral Home - McDonough Chapel

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