Paul Edwin Graham, Sr.

Paul Edwin Graham Sr., age 71, of Caton, passed away on September 5, 2014 in his home with family by his side. He is now in the presence of his lord and savior.

Paul was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Elizabeth Hembly Torrence and Alfred Torrence on October 11, 1942. Paul was adopted by his stepfather Albert Graham as a child, but shared a close bond with his biological father Alfred Torrence.

Paul was a Veteran of the United States Navy and served the country from 1959 to 1963. After returning to Ohio, he retired from General Motors while living in Youngstown. After moving to North Carolina with his family, he worked and retired from the Maintenance Department of the Craven County Government. Paul was always recognized for his punctuality and accuracy at work by his coworkers. Paul was a devoted member of the Trent Free Will Baptist Church in Merritt, where he taught Sunday School. He was a loyal fan of the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians. He also enjoyed growing roses and playing pool and poker. Paul’s most cherished accomplishment in life was his marriage to his wife, Jacquelyn Graham of 52 years.

Paul is survived by his wife, Jacquelyn Graham; son, Paul Graham, Jr & spouse, Mary, of Morehead City; daughter, Deborah Graham of Rochester, NY; son, Daryl Graham Sr. of Caton; son, Donald Graham of Panama City, Fla.; five grandchildren, Erin Graham, Brittany Mortensen, Ryan Graham, Daryl Graham Jr., and Shane Graham; two great-grandchildren, Cadence and Abigal Mortensen; and one surviving sister Mary Briggs and husband, Jim, of Cleveland, OH.

The family will gather at Bryant Funeral Home for visitation on Sunday
September 7, from 6:00 to 8:00pm to share stories and memories of Paul.

His funeral will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, September 8 at Trent Free Will Baptist Church with the Reverend Graham Lane officiating. Interment will follow in Knox Family Cemetery at 1:00pm, service officiated by Reverend Paul Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Trent Free Will Baptist Church 171 Florence Rd. Merritt, NC 28556.

The family would like to thank Craven County Hospice for their kindness and support shown during this difficult time.