Deacon Willie Graham, Jr., 88, of Ocala, Fla transitioned to a life of studying war no more on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021.
Graveside life services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, on the lawn of Greenwood Cemetery, located at, 1601 Old Bainbridge Rd., in Tallahassee. Public viewing and visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the Chapel of Tillman of Tallahassee, located at, 4006 Crawfordville Road, in Tallahassee, Fla. Tillman of Madison, ~ A Hall-Moore Provider ~ (850) 973-6677 has been entrusted with final arrangements.
Deacon Graham was a native of Tallahassee where he received his education in the public schools, graduated from the old Lincoln High School with the skills needed for beginning a new life. He relocated to Miami, Fla., where he was first employed as an auto mechanic at a local gas station. He later gained employment as head custodian and retired after 35 years of dedicated service.
Ordained as deacon at age 18, he accepted this responsibility of continuous service with honor and delight. Churches he held memberships in include: Greater Israel Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, in Miami, Fla., and Little St. Mary Primitive Baptist Church, in Tallahassee, Fla. His 70 years of faithful service had been recognized several times by the National Primitive Baptist Church Association.
Deacon Graham loved the time he spent with his extended family members. He enjoyed holiday gatherings, the family traditions they shared and the opportunity to create lasting memories for the younger generations. Most of all, he instilled in them the importance of love for family.
In addition to dedicating himself to his career, Christian duty and family, Deacon Graham thoroughly enjoyed perfecting his skills in bowling which earned him the distinction as a professional bowler. He traveled to tournaments throughout the United States and brought home numerous honors, awards and trophies that attested to his skill and dedication.
Cherishing his memory are his children: Cheryl Graham (Gregory) Brown and Reginald (Kim) Graham, Sr.; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; godchildren; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
Final care and compassionate services are being provided to the Graham family, with love, care and uncompromising dignity, by the Hall-Moore Funeral Directors at Tillman Funeral Home of Madison.