"Charles Graham is my name."

Sunrise

The one and only Charles E. Graham was born October 21, 1946 to E.W. and Mary Graham. He was the fourth of four boys. He loved to refer to himself as “Mary’s Baby”. Charles grew up and was educated in White Springs, Florida.

Education

After high school, Mary’s Baby attended and graduated from the school located on the highest of seven hills in Tallahassee (Florida- Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University) with a bachelor’s degree in music.

Love and Life

Charles met his match and married Brenda McCoy. They welcomed into this world, Erinne and Charvin. They settled in White Springs and Charles began a career teaching music class at Lake Butler Elementary.

Ministry

Charles felt God’s tug and answered the call into the ministry. When he heard God’s voice, he was WOD (Way Out Dere). Charles became a new creature. Graham attended Interdenominational Theological College (Atlanta, GA) and began to serve in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was definitely a man of God. His charismatic smile, musical intellect, infectious laugh and love of life was exactly what we all needed. No ministry is without its struggles; however, Charles did not see struggle; he saw possibility. He had to always make it live.

Reverend Charles Graham began pastoring at Elizabeth A.M.E. Church in Jennings, Florida. His pastorage spans through several conferences within the Eleventh Episcopal District. This list is no way wholly inclusive of every church that “Rev” touched: Union Community (Winfield Community) New Bethel (White Springs); Mt. Pisgah (Lake City); Historic Mt. Zion (Jacksonville); Allen Temple (Tampa); Mt. Olive (Orlando); Allen Chapel (Daytona); and Ebenezer (Live Oak).

To see Rev at his best was to see him moving through a room with that gorgeous smile leading the way. He met people where they were, no matter who they were, with a smile and a handshake. As engaging as he was a storyteller and jokester, seeing him anywhere near a piano was special. Watching him sit, playing for hours while ministering to himself was magical. Anyone in the vicinity would get pulled in to participate in his "choir" and join in on the singing shenanigans. To see him clearly though, was to see him with his youngest grandchildren, Erek and Arya. He poured into them everything he was able for as long as he was able- the lessons, the mischief, the stories, the love.

And now the time is near and so I'll face the final curtain; My friend, I'll say it clear I'll state my case of which I’m certain; I've lived a life that's full; I travelled each and every highway

And more, much more than this I did it God’s way

Sunset

In his transition, Rev Graham traveled home to join his brothersEW, Bernard and John; Mother Mary Father Fess; nephews Warren and Bernie; Mother-in-law Doretha and Sister-in-Law Cheryl in the light.

He leaves behind to celebrate a life well lived: Wife Brenda; Children- Charles (Keisha), Erinne, Charvin; Grandchildren-Erek, Arya, Charles, Charvin, Anton, Kiva; Sisters-in-law- Ruby, Evelyn and Irene; nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, church members and passersby to celebrate his memory.

"For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught; To say the things he truly feels; And not the words of one who kneels; The record shows I took the blows; And did itGod’s way!