- Date Of Birth: September 19, 1923
- Date Of Death: May 20, 2018
- State: Florida
Marion Graham, Sr. was born on September 19, 1923 in Kingstree, SC. The son of Franklin Benjamin Graham and Sarah Taylor. Marion is the fourth eldest of F.B.’s nine children. Early in his life, Marion relocated to Jacksonville, FL with his father and a few siblings. He attended the local schools and was drafted into the U. S. Army at 19. After serving his country for three years, Marion returned to Jacksonville and worked for a local grocery chain (Winn Dixie) for over 40 years.
On June 9, 1942, Marion married the lady of his dreams Lizzie Mae Jones-Graham in Jacksonville. Marion and Lizzie celebrate 47 years of marriage. He loved and supported his beloved wife through thick and thin, sickness and health until her death May 27, 1987.
Their union produced six children. Their children were Lula, Marion Jr., Franklin, Altamese, James, Cynthia and Marion’s daughter Lavern. Together they raised their children to work hard, love hard and always respect others. Their hard work and love have born 14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren to date.
There are no words to explain Marion as a Grandfather. He has always loved his grandchildren equally and unconditionally. His time, love and guidance form the foundation on which his seed stands.
Affectionally known as “Daddy”, “Granddaddy”, “Pops”, “Uncle Marion”, “Big-Ums”,” Daddy Graham”, “Old Man” or just “Mr. Graham”, he is loved and respected by all! Pop is always known to have been honest and straight-forward. A Jacksonville family motto, “If you don’t’ want to the know the truth, then don’t ask Pop”.
He is also known for his many sayings that will put a smile on your face or make your stomach ache from laughter. Here are just a few: “Don’t fall down…if you fall down…don’t “waller”…or jump up before anybody see yah”, “WHAT” {Trust us, Lil John was not the first and there are many other sayings that would not be appropriate to share here.}
For a man with no formal education, married 47 years, many children and grands, former military man, retired from the same company 43 years, consistently provided for his family as a single source of income, Marion’s life speaks to the power of God.
At 94 years of age, Marion was the eldest living descendant of Stephany George Graham. Today we honor him.
