Harrison "Harry" Graham

United States Air Force Veteran Harrison Graham, of King, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, at the NC State Veterans Home in Kernersville. He was 89 years old. Born July 16, 1936, in Cheraw, South Carolina, to Alexander and Marjorie Stafford Graham, Harrison was one of nine children and was a twin. He grew up in the cotton fields of South Carolina, where he formed lasting memories of picking cotton and delivering it to the gins for processing. Raised in a family that loved music, he learned to play the fiddle from his father — a gift that shaped the rest of his life. At the age of 15, Harrison enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in the Korean Conflict and in the National Guard. After his military service, he became a licensed electrician and worked at Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company/Stroh's Brewing Company, where he remained until his retirement. A passionate musician, Harrison played fiddle with the Muddy Creek Boys Bluegrass Band, inspiring many to pursue music and share in his deep love for it. His favorite artist was Dottie Rambo, and he cherished singing hymns while his beloved wife, Dora Graham, played piano by his side. The two were married on September 19, 1967, and spent 44 loving years together before Dora’s passing on April 1, 2012. Harrison was a man of strong faith and a follower of Jesus Christ. He attended King Community Church, where he actively studied Scripture and shared his testimony with all who knew him. He was also a talented carpenter and gardener and loved to go camping in the mountains or at his homeplace in Cheraw, SC. He often built birdhouses and planted flowers for Dora. He and Dora loved bird watching, and in his quiet moments, Harrison enjoyed Westerns and Military History Documentaries. Harrison was also a HAM Radio enthusiast. He is survived by his six children, Jay Harrison Graham (Rebecca), Joseph Dean Graham (Laura), Connie Graham Ayers (David), Anna Marie Morris, James Richard Graham (Emily) and Ashleigh Graham Brown (Michael); 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, music, love, and service — passed down to the many who loved him.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Hayworth-Miller Chapel in Rural Hall with Rev. Derrick Hinson, Sr. officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in King Community Church Cemetery, 849 Meadowbrook Dr., King, NC. The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 prior to the service at the funeral home. The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff at the NC State Veterans Home in Kernersville for their exceptional support and care during Harrison’s time there. Their dedication in providing comfort and dignity is deeply appreciated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Harrison's honor to the North Carolina Sheriff's Association, King Police Department, King Fire Department, or Post 390 American Legion.