John E. Graham

John E. Graham died Monday morning, Feb. 9, 2016, after a year-long fight with heart and lung disease. John lived a long life, approaching his 92nd birthday in August of this year. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Graham; his two sons, John Edwin Graham, Jr. (Wilma Graham), David Gregory Graham (Catherine Graham), and his daughter, Mary Ann Graham; four grandsons, John David Graham, Joshua David Graham, Joseph Daniel Graham and James Benjamin Graham, and two great-grandchildren, Noah and Kyra Graham.He was born, Aug. 9, 1924, in Jacksonville, Florida, and lived his entire adult life in northeast Florida, loving his childhood days playing football and basketball at Brentwood Park. John attended Andrew Jackson where he played football and basketball.During World War II, he served his country in the Merchant Marines, sailing back and forth over the Atlantic Ocean forming some of his fondest memories, retold many times over the years. He also served in the US Army and the National Guard after the war.A banker by vocation serving in several local banks, John was an officer at Florida National Bank, Atlantic Bank and First Federal Savings and Loan, all in Jacksonville.He loved high school, college and professional football, hating to see the end of a season. Coach Bear Bryant and the Alabama Crimson tide football team(s) were tops on his list. He had a soft spot for all animals most particularly dogs. He enjoyed being outside, working in the yard and yielded a mean machete when an overgrown path challenged his way. He took on the nick-name of the lawnmower man after protecting the family lawn mower from potential theft at the tender age of 89.He was a man of deep faith, an avid reader and student of the Holy Bible, and he deeply valued his years of teaching the young adult bible study class at First Baptist ChurchHe loved his children, his grandchildren and his great-children. He avidly followed their sports, and attended their sporting events whenever possible. John Graham most especially loved his wife, Shirley Swint Graham, to whom he was married for sixty-nine years.The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the caregivers at Taylor Home whom so kindly and generously cared for John during this past year.A private family service will be held Friday, February 12. The family will receive friends on the 12th at the home of David Graham between the hours of 4:30pm and 6:30pm.Funeral arrangements are under the direction of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4140 University Blvd., S., where friends may call from 9:00am until 9:00pm on Thursday..4140 University Blvd S Jacksonville, FL 32216 f: 904-739-81594747 Main St N Jacksonville, FL 32206 f: 904-353-0763