Matthew David “Matt” McCranie, 44, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died suddenly Saturday, March 4, 2017, on his beloved farm in Irwin County.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at First Baptist Church in Fitzgerald with the Rev. Blane Jacobs officiating. Interment will follow in Frank Cemetery, Irwin County. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Tuesday evening at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Matt was born March 1, 1973, in Tifton, Georgia to Julie Johnson McCranie and the late W. David McCranie. He was a 1991 graduate of Irwin County High School and earned a Bachelor of Ag Business from the University of Georgia. He earned his MBA from Valdosta State University in 2003. Matt was currently serving as Assistant Vice-President of Community Bank in Fitzgerald where he worked as a loan officer specializing in consumer, agriculture, and commercial lending. He also served as Security Officer and was tasked with the physical security of the bank premises. Matt was an avid sports fan, particularly his Irwin County Indians and Florida State Seminoles. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family. His nickname in school was “Fish” since he was known to sneak away to a secret fishing hole whenever given the chance. He was a devoted husband and loving father and was very active in the lives of his twins. He coached Rhodes in baseball and 4-H BB shooting and enjoyed watching Murphey dance. He was an active member of First Baptist Church and the Bridges Sunday school class. He was an RA leader and worked on the church’s video ministry team.
Matt is survived by his wife, Jenny Glenn McCranie of Fitzgerald; his children, Rhodes McCranie and Murphey McCranie, both of Fitzgerald; his mother, Julie J. McCranie of Fitzgerald; a brother, Sam & Laura-Lee McCranie of Perry; a sister, Molly & Mike Phillips of Columbus; his parents-in-law, Wilkie & Dianne Glenn of Fitzgerald; and a sister-in-law, Rebecca & Marc Shumans of Baxley. Several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive. Matt will also be greatly missed by his canine companion, Grady, who was always faithful to Matt and never left his side, even in death.
To honor Matt’s dedication to his family and our community, the family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Backpack Blessings, c/o Arbor Baptist Church, 1137 N Merrimac Drive Ext., Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to the Irwin Touchdown Club, P O Box 399, Ocilla, GA 31774 or to the Ben Hill Education Foundation, P O Box 475, Fitzgerald GA 31750 or to First Baptist Church, P O Box 367, Fitzgerald GA 31750.