MR. MELVIN A. GRAHAM, age 86, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Dodge County Hospital.
MR. MELVIN A. GRAHAM, age 86, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Dodge County Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Wednesday, February 25, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Daniel Cook, Dr. Dwaine Dunn, and Mr. Ryne Graham officiating, with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Melvin was born in Plainfield, GA, on April 25, 1939, to the late Atha Bell Horne Graham and Jeptha Graham. He attended Dodge County High School and entered the U.S. Air Force, where he served his country faithfully for four years. He later earned his associate’s degree in business from Middle Georgia College, and attended Georgia Military College, where he studied business. He worked for Robins AFB for over 30 years, before working for Wal-Mart as a nighttime assistant manager for over 22 years. He attended Parkerson Baptist Church for many years and was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church, where he served as chairman of the deacons. Melvin loved Atlanta Braves baseball, piddling in his garden, taking care of hummingbirds, and enjoyed taking his long daily walks. In addition to his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by his Wife of 63 years, Christine Smith Graham, Son, Melvin Graham, and Siblings, Jo Hargrove, Malcolm Graham, Bennie Warren, Odessa Graham, and Marian Herrington.
He is survived by his Sons – Malone Graham (Tammy) and Milton Graham (Melissa), both of Eastman; Daughter-in-law – Brenda Ann Graham of Eastman; 11 Grandchildren – Sheila Fish (Jeff), Shellie Toler (Josh), Selena Smith (Nathan), Jason Warren (Andrea), Matt Graham, Kasey Gunn (Andy), Ryne Graham, Katie Mullis (Josh), Brittany Rozar (Josh), Brent Graham, and Desiree Kocher; 19 Great-Grandchildren – Justin Fish (Sydney), Luke Toler, Logan Toler, Brenlee Smith, Rylee Smith, Nolan Smith, Lane Clements, Jasey Warren, Janna Kate Warren, Madison Graham, Mason Graham, Jaleigh Gunn, Tucker Gunn, Sadie Grace Gunn, Libby Mullis, Graham Rozar, Graycie Rozar, Mia Mullis, and Jack Mullis; 2 Great-Great-Grandchildren – Kayden Fish and Emberleigh Fish; Sister – Mizelle Graham Bussell of Eastman; Sisters-in-law – Margie May and Dorothy Smith, both of Eastman; Numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
The family may be contacted at the Graham residence, 1755 Wilson-Woodard Rd., Eastman, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 6:00PM-8:00PM Tuesday, February 24. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/.
Locally owned and operated, Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home, has been "A Tradition of Trust" to Eastman, Dodge County and Middle Georgia for over 65 years.