Alton was born in Spartanburg, SC in 1924, the second youngest of fourteen children and was raised on a farm. Alton enjoyed telling stories about farm life, his large family and the crops they grew on the farm.
He left High School and joined the Army during World War II. He participated in the Beach Landing at Anzio as part of the Allied conquest of Rome. In the Bourges Mountains, working alone, he protected his Company by directing Artillery fire from an advanced position. For this brave action he was awarded the Bronze Star at 18 years of age. Alton was later wounded and awarded the Purple Heart, as well as the Croix de Guerre with Palm.
He returned home to marry his High School Sweetheart, Helen, to whom he was married for 67 years. Alton finished High School and attended Wofford College in Spartanburg where he graduated in three years. Alton went to work for Sherwin-Williams where he had a distinguished forty year career until his retirement.
Alton was an active member of Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh. He was also an active and dedicated member of the Raleigh Lions Club. He served as Lions Club President and was active in many fund raising events including working numerous years in the annual Lions Club sponsored Horse Shows. He was always proud of his efforts to raise money to help the blind.
Alton was a true Southern Gentleman and unfailingly polite. However, Alton had a quick wit and loved a good joke or prank as many of his friends can attest to.
Alton is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen H. McGraw, his daughter, Mary Elizabeth “Libby” Auman and her husband, Mark Auman of Raleigh, his son, Alton J. McGraw, Jr. and his wife, Barbara McGraw of Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his two Grandsons, Joseph Alexander Auman of Raleigh and Jackson Samuel McGraw of Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ruth Sheets Adult Center at Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh or to the Raleigh Lions Club.
Services will be held at Edenton Street United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 3, 2013, with family to receive following. Graveside Services and Military Honors will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park.
Condolences to the family at www.BrownWynne.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18