Born July 1, 1934 in Lumberton, NC, he was the son of the late Graham and Alice Farmer. Most of Graham’s youth was spent in Wilmington where he loved being a competitive swimmer. As a diehard Wolfpack fan, he graduated from NC State with a BS in Industrial Engineering. He worked his entire career at RJ Reynolds in Winston-Salem.
Graham met the love of his life, Miriam Hickman, when mutual friends set them up on a blind date for a party at the SAE fraternity. They married in 1956 and raised their family in Winston-Salem before retiring to Hilton Head which they fondly referred to as “La-La Land.”
Graham had many loves – first and foremost he loved his family. Together with Miriam, they instilled a love for travelling in their three girls. From camping in a tent to crossing the country with a trailer in tow, the family enjoyed whatever adventures came their way. The family enjoyed backpacking, hiking and water sports. Graham loved being around his six grandchildren, whether it was teaching them to body surf at the beach, riding bikes or playing silly games with the family. Graham also loved tennis. He learned as an adult and loved living in Hilton Head where he could play twice a day. Graham and his team represented the Hilton Head area and made it to the finals twice for the Super Seniors USTA national championship.
Graham and Miriam were very active members at Knollwood Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. Graham served on several committees, and chaperoned youth group backpacking trips. He was known for his patience, calm demeanor, and ability to apply engineering skills in everyday situations.
Graham is survived by his wife of 66 years, Miriam Hickman Farmer; three daughters: Lynn Moore (Marty), Karen Brannan (Wyatt), Susan McKinney (Bob); six grandchildren: Graham Allen, Evanne Sosa (Jass). Margaret Archer (Jeff), Patrick McKinney (fiancé Karlyn Laux), Hannah Brannan and Miriam Brannan, sister Alice Davis. He is also survived by Jim Allen(son-in-law), five nieces and a nephew.
Graham was preceded in death by his sister Ann Sink and brothers-in-law, Jack Sink and Bill Davis.
The family would like to express our sincere thanks for the wonderful staff at Southminster’s Embrace Care and Embrace Health who supported Graham and our family during the final stages of his illness. The teammates were compassionate, kind, and loving. We would like to specifically thank MaKayla Hughes and Zenfira “Zee” Karaea for their loving support to Graham and Miriam over the past few years.
A service to celebrate Graham’s life will be held at 2 pm Tuesday, May 30 at Southminster Senior Community. 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC. Please wear Red and White or your favorite NCSU shirt - Go Wolfpack! A reception will follow the service.
Memorial gifts may be given in Graham’s memory to Charlotte Neuroscience Foundation: 411 Billingsley Road, Suite 103, Charlotte, NC 28211 OR to Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head Island in support of their pickle ball program. Mail checks to: P.O. Box 22267, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925. Although Graham loved tennis and missed out on the pickle ball craze, he would have loved the game and would delight in supporting a program that introduces children to the joys of participating in a team sport.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Farmer family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.6