Graham, Robert Franklin
Dr. Robert Franklin Graham, 76, died at his home in Radford, surrounded by the love of his family early Wednesday morning, August 20, 2014. He is the son of the late Archibald Spencer Graham and Pauline Harper Graham who moved from Belfast, Virginia, to Radford with their family in the early 1940s.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Florine Rodgers Graham (Flo), his daughter Suzanne Elaine Graham, her husband Darren William Minarik and their children Harper Grace Minarik and Graham Charles Minarik; by his son and namesake, Robert Franklin Graham, Jr., Rob’s wife Kristine McBride Graham and their daughters Logan McBride Graham, Sophie Rodgers Graham, and Mary Madison Graham.
He is also survived by his brothers James William Graham (Betsy) of Radford, and Archibald Spencer Graham, Jr. (Susie), of Hockessin, Delaware; his wife’s sisters Joanne Rodgers Jenks (Bill), Betty Rodgers Sherrer (Wayman – recently deceased), and Joyce Rodgers Haddock (Don), as well as many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Left to cherish her master’s love and care is Holly, his faithful dog of 15 years.
Dr. Graham practiced dentistry for 40 years with Dr. Charles Crews, Dr. Mack Hilton, Dr. John Semones, Dr. John Hilton and Dr. Glenn Young at Dentists Inc., Main Street, Radford.
He served in the United States Air Force for five years during the Vietnam War with a tour of duty in Takhli, Thailand, where he established a dental clinic to serve forces flying missions into Vietnam.
He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia, the University of Virginia and Radford High School. A lifelong athlete, his love of sports began as a RHS Bobcat where he played football, basketball, and track. He and Tony Miano of Radford spent many hours throughout the years playing tennis, racquetball and golf while talking about the Hoos and Hokies.
In place of flowers, those wishing to make gifts in his memory are asked to consider the Radford High School Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2823, Radford, VA 24143.
Military interment with full honors will be at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia, at 2:30 p.m., Monday, August 25, 2014. Those wishing to travel to the cemetery together are asked to meet at Mullins Funeral Home at 1:30 p.m.
A Celebration of Life Service for Dr. Graham will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Grove United Methodist Church on Tyler Avenue, where he was a member for 67 years. The Reverend Andrew Taylor Troutman, pastor of New Dublin Presbyterian Church and friend of the family, will lead the service.
The family will receive guests at their home located in Radford immediately following the Service to celebrate Dr. Graham’s life.
The Graham family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com