Monty Ray Cranfill

Monty Ray "Pookie Bear" Cranfill,
Feb. 17, 1965 - Feb. 3, 2026.

Monty was 60 years old and was born Feb. 17, 1965. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. Monty grew up in Louisiana and graduated from Ovey Comeaux High School in 1983 in Lafayette, La.

​To know Monty was to know a man that was a gentle giant. He was a son, brother, and friend all wrapped together. You hardly ever saw Monty angry, he always had a smile and a twinkle in his mischievous eyes! He was always sure to call friends and family on special occasions and holidays. He enjoyed seeing others smile and did what he could to make that happen.
Monty found his greatest peace in nature and being outdoors. When he had the opportunity, he would be out on a body of water trying to catch the biggest fish or in the woods hunting down the largest buck. Monty was fascinated with wolves and their elegance. He liked dream catchers and had them placed all over his room. He was a collector of knives and had enough to fill up a pick up truck bed! He grew up watching wrestling on TV and continued to his last day. Classic rock was his music of choice.

​Though he was a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes about his devotion to those he loved. The last several years of Monty's life were very difficult for him. He taught us how to have faith and strength when life kept knocking him down or pushing him two steps back and that the greatest strength is often found in the quietest moments. He will be deeply missed, but his influence will be felt in every sunset we watch and every act of kindness we share.

Monty is survived by his mother, Betty Skinner, of Mineola, Tx., older brother Robert Cranfill of Spokane Valley, WA., sister Regina Cochran and her husband Leroy Cochran of Alvin, Tx.
Monty was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie Cranfill, and twin brother, Michael Cranfill.