Graham, Jack E.
Jack E. Graham, 86, of Christiansburg, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 20, 2012, at Lewis-Gale Montgomery Hospital. Born in 1926 in Springton, W.Va., Jack proudly served as a Combat Engineer in the 6th Armored Division in Europe during World War II.
In 1950, he graduated from WV Tech University and became a high school teacher of Industrial Arts. During this time, he met his wife of over 60 years, Norma Jean Black. Jack and Norma moved to Christiansburg in 1952, where Jack began working at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant. During the 1970s, Jack was principal in developing the Instrumentation Program at NRCC, where he also served on the Board for several years. Jack retired in 1986 after 36 years of service as an Area Engineer.
Jack had several passions, including traveling the world with Norma, numerous family vacations, and piloting a solo flight after completing flying lessons. Above all, Jack was a loving patriarch for a growing family and his devotion, love and generosity will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Norma; children, Becky Graham Wirt, Joel Graham (Billie), Elaine Graham Campbell (Bill), Tracy Graham (Melissa); grandchildren, Joshua Wirt, Ben Campbell, Jordan Campbell, Caleb Graham, Camron Graham, Micah Graham, and Pallah Graham; great-grandson, Landon Helman; brothers, Jeryl Graham (Sheila), Jamie Graham (Dawn); sister, Sidra Graham; nieces, Ashley Graham, Sarah Graham Young; cousin, Daryl Farley; and a host of friends, neighbors and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his sister, Demaris McGurk; granddaughter, Lesley Elaine Wirt; and nephew, Kevin Graham.
The family would like to express their gratitude to all the doctors and nurses for their kindness and care during his illness.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 22, 2012, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 23, 2012, in the Horne Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Michael Copeland and the Rev. Doug Kanney officiating. Interment will follow in the Mausoleum at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 176, Christiansburg, VA 24068, or to the Joy Ranch Home for Children. P.O. Box 727, Hillsville, VA 24343.
Online condolences may be left at www.hornefuneralservice.com.