Saadiq Ar Raheem Alim

Sunrise: August 17, 1950 – Sunset: October 11, 2021

This is the story of Saadiq Ar Raheem Alim aka Willie Cranfield Jr.

His story began on August 17, 1950, Willie Cranfield Jr. (later changed his name to Saadiq Alim) was born to Willie & Emma Cranfield (formerly Emma Robinson) in Chicago, Ill, he was the oldest child of his 5 siblings (4 brothers and 1 sister). He attended grade thru high school in Chicago, and in the late 60’s moved with his mom and family to Los Angeles, CA. He attended bootcamp at Camp Pendleton, in San Diego, CA and was inducted into the USMC in 1967. He then later met and married Joslyn Henderson Sept 1970, and through this union they had four children (3 sons and 1 daughter).

In the late 70’ - early 80’s Saadiq worked for Los Angeles Housing Authority, Loss prevention at Kmart warehouse in Carson, CA, and Horace Mann Jr High volunteer youth program in Los Angeles. During a mass exodus from Los Angeles, many of his family members moved to Seattle, Washington, and after his divorce, looking for a fresh start, Saadiq decided to join them. Where he then became a Correctional Officer and joined the Washington State Dept. of corrections at Washington State reformatory in Monroe, WA. until his retirement.

Retirement however did not slow him down, as he became a dedicated volunteer at Bethany United Church of Christ food bank (now known as Beacon Ave Food bank), and had close connections networking with local car dealership, and would assist whoever, whenever he could that was in need, whether it was a car, or food; he had you covered.

Saadiq was known for his love of music and was an avid percussionist, who poured that love of music into his children as well. He was passionate about cars and was a collector of model cast-iron diecast cars. He had great cooking and baking skills, and during a period he was known for baking some great chocolate chip walnut raisin cookies; some would even joke that he was going to be the next famous Amos (yes, the cookies where that good).

There was no denying that Saadiq loved his family and friend, and his kindness was also evident by those who adored him at his senior living community. Saadiq was a man that was loved by many, is missed by all, and will be cherished forever. Saadiq made sure that his faith was solid in the Lord, and on October 11, 2021, with his children, eldest granddaughter and great-grandson surrounding him he smiled and took his final breaths.

Loved ones that cleared the path for Saadiq, and I am sure greeted him with open arms into eternal rest are his mother and father, his loving grandmothers affectionately known to him as Mama and Big Mama, his aunts and uncles, and his beloved bother Kenneth. Those he is absence from in body but will forever be in their hearts are his four children Shaun Dupree, Lamont, Lemuel, and Detra, his daughter in-love Angela, four grandchildren Asha, Lamont II, Danielle, and LaShad who he loved dearly, his best buddy and great-grandson Ezra, his four remaining siblings Michael, Patricia, David and Daryl, his aunt Ruth, his cousin/Brothers Thomas and Junior, and a host of other relatives and friend, who while they may not be named, where not loved any less by him.

Click link for a list of some of his favorite songs, he wanted Millions by the Winans to be played as his final song.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=oZrE0XLn4AY&feature=share

In lieu of flowers, please donate in our dad’s name to Beacon Ave Food bank or your local food bank.

Services:
Private Viewing
Sunday
October 24, 2021
Columbia Funeral Home - Fireside Room
4567 Rainier Ave S.
Seattle, WA 98118

Private Direct Burial
Monday
October 25, 2021
10:30 AM
Hillcrest Burial Park
1005 Reiten Road
Kent, Washington, 98030