James “Roy” McGraw, 86, of Union Grove, The Friendship Community, died Monday August 28, 2017 at Marshall Medical Center North.
Mr. McGraw was born June 1, 1931 in Etowah County to Bennie Roy McGraw and Hattie Lou Collum McGraw. Mr. McGraw moved to the Arab area from Glenco Alabama in 1958. He and the former Doris Elaine Clemons were married for 63 years. He retired from NASA after 36 years of working in Civil Service. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, hunting and Alabama Football. Roy loved his church, Union Chapel United Methodist where he was a member and served as Sunday School Superintendent for over 40 years.
He is survived by his wife: Doris C. McGraw; his daughter: Lisa Reece; two sons and daughter-in-law: Thomas “Tommy” McGraw, Reggie McGraw and Vanessa; his grandchildren: Matthew McGraw, Kyle McGraw, Savannah Reece and Marissa McGraw; great grandchildren: Sophia and Arianna McGraw and step grandchildren: Chase Lowe and Julia Lowe. He was preceded in death by his parents: Bennie Roy and Hattie Lou McGraw; a brother: Ray McGraw and a sister: Evelyn Harcrow.
Funeral service will be 4:00 p.m. Thursday August 31, 2017 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel with Rev: Chris Herbert, officiating. Burial will be in Gilliam Springs Cemetery with Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing.
Pallbearers will be Matthew McGraw, Kyle McGraw, Bill Rutherford, Steve Hallman, Kenneth Jay and David Clemons.
Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Thursday August 31, 2017 prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Union Chapel United Methodist Church Building Fund.
