Herman Gartrelle Graham, 81, died Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton after a brief illness.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 13, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at Paulk Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Fitzgerald, GA. A brief graveside service will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. on April 13.
Born in Ben Hill County, GA to Thomas C. and Jewel R. Graham, Herman was one of nine children. After serving in the U.S. Army, Herman moved to Florida where he met and married the love of his life, Emma Jean Dean (Tina) of Bronson, FL. In 1965, the couple moved to St. Simons Island, GA where they raised three children and ran a successful business, Graham Heating and Air. In 1993, Herman and Tina retired to Fitzgerald where they grew pine trees, taught their seven grandchildren to fish, and hosted countless family reunions. His family was his greatest joy.
Herman is survived by his wife of 59 years and his three children, Kathy Naish (Timothy), Judith Newman, and Clayton R. Graham. He is also survived by six grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren, two brothers, Ocie Graham and Eddie Graham, both of Fitzgerald, one sister, Myrtle Smith, formerly of Broxton, GA, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one grandson, and by three brothers and two sisters.