William Ralph Graham

William Ralph Graham passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Miriam, with whom he shared 62 years of love, commitment, and devotion to their family and community. He was preceded in death by his parents, Euva E. Graham and Henry C. Graham, and his sisters, Nell Graham Smith and Bessie Graham Sbravati.

Ralph is survived by his three children: Elizabeth G. Ellis (Bryan) of Marietta, GA; William R. Graham II (Patty) of Purcellville, VA; and Amy G. Painton (Chris) of St. Helena Island, SC. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Caroline E. Cummings (Tyler) of Keller, TX; Hannah E. Cavazos (Chris) of Keller, TX; J. Griffin Ellis of Marietta, GA; Haley G. Eiler (Brandon) of Gainesville, GA; William R. Graham III of Purcellville, VA; and Lily A. Painton of St. Helena Island, SC, along with his great-grandchildren: Graham, Weston, and Reese Cummings of Keller, TX. Ralph is also survived by his brother, Fred Graham of Tyler, TX.

Born on December 11, 1933, in Lyon, MS, Ralph grew up in Clarksdale, MS, and graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Agronomy. After graduation, Ralph began his career with DeKalb Agricultural Company, where he developed expertise in hybrid seed corn and cotton production. His career included a break for military service, after which he returned to DeKalb’s operations in various locations across the United States. While working around the Athens, GA area, it was in Watkinsville, where he met Miriam, and they married in 1960.

Ralph continued his work with DeKalb until he transitioned to the University of Georgia as Grounds and Landscape Manager. In 1974, accepted the role to become Director of Landscape Operations at Sea Island Company, where he transformed its landscape operations into a nationally recognized resort property. His work at The Cloister earned him two national awards, and under his leadership, the company launched the annual Cloister Garden Series, which attracted horticultural experts from across the country.

Spanning 25 years, Ralph's career with the Sea Island Company included a strong focus on addressing beach erosion, a cause he was passionate about throughout his professional life. As a registered consulting arborist, he applied his expertise on projects across the United States and the Caribbean. Living on St. Simons Island, he cherished the natural beauty of the area, particularly the iconic live oaks, the beach, and the marsh.

Ralph was deeply committed to community service throughout his time in both Athens and St. Simons, dedicating his time and energy to numerous local boards, projects, and committees. His involvement included serving with the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Parent Teacher Association, Keep Brunswick-Glynn Beautiful, and as one of the founding members of the Casino Advisory Committee. Ralph, alongside his wife Miriam, was a staunch advocate for reforming the public school system, dedicating significant time and effort to drive changes that would improve educational opportunities for all students.

An avid reader, gardener, and history buff, Ralph also enjoyed traveling and making new friends. As an active and faithful member of First Baptist Church of St. Simons Island, he served as a deacon, Sunday School director, and a committed member of the men’s Sunday school class.

Ralph was a man who cherished his family above all else, with deep affection for his parents, his upbringing in Clarksdale, MS, and his years at Mississippi State University. He was immensely proud of his family, his professional accomplishments, and his love for landscaping and nature. His love for Miriam, his children, extended family, and his community gave him a fulfilling and meaningful life. He will be remembered for his commitment to family, faith, and service.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 10, 2025, at First Baptist Church of St. Simons Island, GA. Memorial donations may be made to the church. A private family burial will follow. The family is receiving flowers at Edo Miller & Sons Funeral Home in Brunswick. www.edomillerandsons.com