Merle W. Graham, 90, beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on January 15, 2015, at his home in Raymond, MS with his bride of 67 years by his side.
Merle was born on December 29, 1924 in Sulphur Springs, MS, to Willie and Lois Leach Graham. In 1944, he joined the United States Coast Guard during his senior year at Conehatta High School and was granted an honorary diploma upon his return.
During World War II, Merle served on the U.S.S. General D. E. Aultman and the West Wind in the South Pacific. He made a name for himself as the ship's champion boxer.
In 1947 he returned from the service to marry his high school sweetheart Betty Jo (Cooper) of Conehatta, MS. Merle and Jo established a home in Raymond, MS, where they reared three daughters.
Merle is probably best known for his tall tales and $6 haircuts, barber shop traditions that began with barber school at Hinds Junior College. The Merle Graham Barber Shop was a Jackson mainstay for 45 years, located first on Lamar Street, then on Pascagoula Street, and finally in the Electric Building. He ultimately moved the shop to State Street, where he continued to work six days a week for another twenty years. He finally hung the "Closed" sign after 65 years of barbering just before his 88th birthday.
In his spare time, Merle enjoyed his land in Raymond. He raised black Angus cattle and grew vegetables he generously shared.
Merle and his family joined Calvary Baptist Church in Jackson in 1951 where the family remains active.
Those who knew Merle knew his answer to, "How are you?" was always, "Well, I've made it this far." We know he'd tell us today, "I finally made it."
Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Lois Graham, and brothers James Graham, Malcolm Graham, and Sidney Graham.
He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Jo Graham; children, Gloria Harvey (David) and Pam Smith (Carl) of Raymond and Melanie Everett (Bill) of Buford, GA; grandchildren, Amanda Smith Quarles (Jeremy) of Madison, Jennifer Dockstader Rogers (Chris) of Raymond, Christopher Smith of Lakeland, FL, and Ross Everett, Joanna Everett, and William Everett of Buford, GA; great-grandchildren Graham and Cooper Quarles of Madison and Ellen and Gunner Rogers of Raymond; two brothers, Junior Graham (Sue) of Conehatta, MS and Bobby Graham of Brandon, MS; numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 18, from 4-7 P.M. at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M. on Monday, January 19 at Calvary Baptist Church, 1300 W. Capitol St., Jackson, with visitation at the church beforehand at 10 A.M. Merle will be laid to rest at Lakewood Cemetery immediately following the service. The family request that memorial contributions be made to Calvary Baptist Church or His Heart, 1300 W. Capital Street, Jackson, MS 39203.