Our dad, Walter M. Graham Sr., passed away on March 7, 2022, at the age of 88. He would like to give a heartfelt thanks to his neighbors of The Commons, on St. Simons Island. Dad was so blessed to be a part of a caring neighborhood where children and adults alike came by regularly to check on him. His living room is filled with cards and balloons wishing him a speedy recovery. Dad is also indebted to his friends and clergy from Christ Church, on St. Simons Island, in particular, Mother Ashton and the Altar Guild. Lastly, a huge appreciation goes out to Dad's caregivers, Angela and Miss Elaine. Not only did they tend for Dad's every need, but they loved him like family.
Dad was born on Jan. 28, 1934, to Russell and Pauline Graham, in Birmingham, Ala. He graduated high school from Tennessee Military Institute before entering Auburn University.
1955 was a busy year for Dad. Having met Ann, a student at Auburn, on a blind date the previous year, they were married in 1955. Dad graduated from Auburn and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army, all in that same year. After serving in the military, Mom and Dad moved back to Birmingham where he joined his dad in the family business, Graham Brokerage Co. It was in Birmingham where Mom and Dad reared their four sons.
Dad was very involved in church, business organizations and a variety of clubs, but he always had time for his family. So, while Dad showed his sons how to work and provide for their families, he also showed us how important family is. Dad demonstrated this by supporting our sports activities, but some of our favorite memories revolve around going to Lake Martin for long weekends with Ed Trowbridge and his family. Those were some great times, filled by playing spoons, water skiing and jumping off Chimney Rock.
Mom and Dad moved to St. Simons Island in 1997 to help take care of her mom and ended up staying 25 years. During that time, Dad once again got involved in the community, becoming active in several organizations, including Christ Church. Dad's relationship with the Lord was very important to him, and he rarely missed going to early service at Christ Church.
Mom and Dad followed the example of his parents in that they loved to travel. They went on several trips all around North America, but their BIG trips included two different cruises, taking them around the world, lasting over 100 days each.
As Mom and Dad grew older, another unexpected example of taking care of family came in the way of Dad being Mom's caretaker for many years, before she passed on Oct. 1, 2018. There was nothing Dad wouldn't do for his bride of 63 years. Mom's death left a huge hole in Dad's heart.
Dad is survived by his sister, Tot Blake; and his brother, Jesse Graham (Kathleen). The list also includes his sons and their families. Walt Jr. (Cindy) and his daughters, Sarah and Elizabeth; George (LeAnn) and their sons, Michael (Jade), Mitchell (Danni), George and Joel; Russ (Kathy) and their children, James (Brooke), Annalee (Ross) and Daniel; Troup (Laura) and their sons Troup Jr. (Anna) and Jake. Dad also leaves behind six great-grandchildren.
Dad's service will be at 10 a.m. on July 21, 2022, at Christ Church, on St. Simons Island, with a reception to follow. There will also be a graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, the following week.
Dad, you will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
We love you,
Walt, George, Russ and Troup
Arrangements have been entrusted to Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home and Oglethorpe Crematorium in Brunswick, Ga. www.edomillerandsons.com
