James Claytor Graham, Sr., 91, lifetime resident of Ethel, passed away Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, at the Martha Jo Leslie State Veterans Home in Kosciusko.
Visitation begins Friday at 9:30 a.m. and continues until service at 11 a.m.at Jordan Funeral Home Chapel in Kosciusko. Burial will follow in the Carson Ridge Cemetery. Rev. Lynn Cain and Rev. Doyle Mitchell will officiate.
He was a member of Carson Ridge Baptist Church, where he served as secretary/treasurer and was a moderator of deacons. He served in the United States Marines in World War II and received a purple heart. As a Marine, heaven gained another guard. He was a hunter and fisherman. He was an outdoorsman who thoroughly loved his family and all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a dad to all. If ever a neighbor or church member needed help with anything all they had to do was call.
Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Helen Graham of Ethel; sons, Grady (Frances) Graham of Starkville and Marvin (Gail) Graham of Ethel; daughter, Mary Ann Albin of Madison; eight grandchildren, Lynn Graham, Marsha Pollard, Jason Graham, Craig Graham, Ashley Thomas, Matthew Graham, Cindy Albin and Brian Albin; 13 great-grandchildren, Sage Graham, McKenna Graham, Alyssa Pollard, Austin Pollard, Peyton Graham, Colton Graham, Derek Graham, Anniston Wadford, Mason Thomas, Lorelai Albin, Bella Graham, Garrett Graham, and Sean Albin; sister, Mary Ellen Burns of Big Creek; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins.
He was preceded in death by his son, James C. Graham, Jr., parents, Eugene Bennett and Easter Ellen Bell Graham; sister, Lavis Ray; and brother, Theo Graham.
Pallbearers are Lynn Graham, Brian Albin, Craig Graham, Jason Graham, Matthew Graham and Sage Graham. Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Henley, James “Buddy” Henley, Ralph Rone, Sr., Morris Massey, Tommy Prewitt, and Arthur Sartain.
Online condolences can be made at jordanfuneralhome.com.
