Harold Daniel Graham, 84 , formerly of Florence, known by many as “Tater” or “Coach Graham” passed away May 10th, 2018 at Huntsville Hospital. Mr. Graham was living in Huntsville over the past year and a half with his daughter Suzanne Byrom and his son in law Jerry “Buzzy” Byrom. Visitation will be at Elkins Funeral Home of Florence Tuesday, May 15,2018 from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. A service will follow at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel. Brother Donald Graham will be officiating. Burial will be at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Shirley Cypert Graham; parents, Koval and Ethel Graham; sisters, Kovie Davis and Martha Henderson.
He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Byrom (Jerry “Buzzy”); grandchildren, Graham and Betsey Byrom; brother, Bob Graham; his father’s wife, Patricia Graham; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Graham attended Deshler High Scholl and was a four-year letterman in football, baseball and track and a three-year letterman in basketball at Deshler. He received the L.A. Grogan Award as the most outstanding senior football player in the Tri-Cities. He was a first team All Tri-Cities selection on offense and defense during his final three seasons. Mr. Graham served Korean War. Afterwards, he accepted a scholarship at East Mississippi Junior College and played one season for the Legendary Coach Bull Sullivan. After that season he transferred to Florence State. He played quarterback and linebacker for the Lions 1957 through 1960, never missing a game because of injury. He was named to UNA’s 50th Anniversary team in 1998. He was assistant football and head basketball coach at Rogers High from 1961-1963. He was then named head football coach at Central for 10 seasons, where he also coached baseball and track. He also was head football coach at Wilson for five seasons before retiring. He was a certified basketball official for 15 years, umpired UNA baseball games for five years and was a certified softball official for 10 years.
For Mr. Grahams efforts as a player, coach and teacher, Mr. Graham was honored by several organizations. These include being inducted into the Lauderdale County Sports Hall of Fame, Colbert County Sports Hall of Fame and 1963 “Prep Coach of the Year”, when not coaching or playing, Mr. Graham was an avid golfer. He participated in and won may local area tournaments..
Pallbearers will be friends and family
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to UNA Sportsman’s Club at https://www.roarlions.com/sports.
Elkins funeral home invites you to leave your condolences at www.elkisnfuneral.com
