Graham, Garvin Frederick

Garvin Fredrick “Fred” Graham, 92, of Blacksburg was born in Montgomery County on September 28, 1931. He passed away, peacefully, at home on Sunday, January 14, 2024.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Peggy Duncan Graham; son Marvin Graham; parents Hubert and Minnie Cooper Graham, brothers Tom, Earl, Harry, and John Graham; sisters Ina Price, Clara Schnell, Ethel Neighbors, and Dolly Long.

He is survived by his son James Graham (Sharon); daughter Lori Okes (Kraig); grandchildren Danielle Okes (Wayne Myers), Tiffany Roberts (Billy), Derrick Graham (Cheyanne), Bobby “BJ” Graham (Michelle), Ashley Meyer (Daniel), and Adrianne Mullins (Ted); sister-in-law Melva Hughes; 16 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; special niece Phyllis Price and special great-niece Michelle Hairfield (Benny)

Fred enlisted in the United States Army in 1953 at the very end of the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955 with the rank of corporal. He was not drafted as two of his brothers were already serving but he chose to enlist to serve his country. He always told everyone joining the Army was the best decision he ever made. He learned many valuable lessons and passed them along to his children.

He worked as an electrician for several years and then went to work for Radford Army Ammunition Plant as a pipe insulator. He retired from there in 1984. He enjoyed playing guitar and singing. He played music with several different gospel groups. He last attended Fairview Community Church. He was a very dedicated Christian and spent most of his last days reading the bible and listening to “preaching” as he called it on TV.

A funeral service will be conducted Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 2:00 pm in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Jimmy Lee Price officiating. The family will receive friends at 1:00 pm before the service at McCoy Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.