Harrison J. Graham, Sr. went home to be with the Lord on February 14, 2021. He was born on June 11, 1950 in Birmingham, AL to Otis L. Graham, Sr. and Lola B. Graham, who preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his brother and sisters, Pamela Redwine, Annette Graham, Juliette Graham, and Aubrey Graham; bonus mom, Catherine Graham; brother in-law, Clarence McCain. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Delores Graham; children, Kesha Johnson, Michelle Kindred (Fred), Ronice Graham, and Harrison Graham, Jr. (LeKisha); 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Jeannie T. May (Willie), Robinson Jackson (Augustine), Otis Graham, Jr. (Janice), Claudette McCain, Donna Seals, Vicki Adams, and Timothy Graham (Amaris); and a host of nieces, nephews, loved ones, and friends.
Harrison lived in Birmingham and graduated from Wenonah High School. He and Delores married in Los Angeles, CA on December 11, 1969. Harrison served the United States in the Navy, where he retired as a Senior Chief BTSC after 20 years of service. He came back to Birmingham where he was a bus driver for Birmingham City Schools. Harrison enjoyed gardening, working on cars, fishing, being in the woods, traveling with his family, and serving as a Deacon in church.
The family would like to thank their extended family, friends, and loved ones for phone calls, texts, cards, food, and kind words. They have been greatly appreciated.
A Celebration of Life service will be held and livestreamed on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 2pm. To watch the livestream please go to https://www.facebook.com/RidoutsElmwood and like the page to be notified when the service goes live.
From his oldest daughter, Kesha:
I think my relationship with dad was like, if I need advice on trying to figure out things what you do dad I would ask. Depending on what it was, he'll talk it out with me and figure it out together.
He could be soulful or straight from the hip like it, don't like it he wasn't going to sugar coated. Sometimes it didn't feel so good, but it worked out together for my good. Sometimes we would laugh about these politicians and all the dumb stuff they do or over something we heard or saw. That was our relationship sometimes spiritual too. Love Kesha😉
A poem from his 2nd oldest daughter, Michelle:
Until We See Each Other Again
I have so many words to say but time will not allow,
I could write a book of things pastime and of things occurring now,
My dad was truly one of a kind,
Expressive, cheerful, fun,
So many characteristics come to mind,
Many facets of his heart and brain, not just a single one,
So I’ll say how much he meant to me,
Provision, expectation, protection,
Words of wisdom not always spoken kindly,
But what I needed to reflect on,
His laughter, conversation and steadiness I’ll always embrace,
Until we see each other again one day face to face. -MJK 02.18.2021
From his youngest daughter, Ronice.
Daddy’s Girl
He wanted a boy, and along came me
He already had two girls and I made it 3.
But I was his baby girl,and that made me unique.
I’m not saying he had favorites, but if he did,.....it was me!😉
Favorite or not, I was spoiled, but, he had my heart too.
YEAH, I said what I said, I’m not gonna argue with you.
My father, my hero, a real Man tried & true.
Navy Man, Navy Wife, with 4 Navy Brats; a full Naval crew.
I thought I knew heartbreak, sorrow and hurt.
Man I was so wrong, THIS ache is the WORST.
I miss him more each day, this pain is unreal.
I am pushing forward, (as he taught me) no matter how I feel.
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you STRENGTH, while loving someone deeply gives you COURAGE.” - Lao Tzu
Thank you Daddy for giving me STRENGTH and COURAGE!
I will miss you, until we meet again.
Love,
Ronice
