Joel Sampson McGraw left his earthly dwelling for his heavenly home on May 6, 2024. Joel was born in Conecuh County Alabama on February 26, 1937. He was the youngest of 13 children born to John Monroe McGraw and Nita Ridlehoover McGraw. Growing up on the family farm and working alongside his father instilled a strong work ethic and provided many life lessons.
He had a profound encounter with Jesus at the age of 17 that launched him into a life of ministry. He attended Birmingham Southern, Samford College, and Emmanuel College, eventually earning a Master’s Degree in Ministry from Southwestern University. He and the love of his life, Janelle Barbee McGraw, pastored churches in Brownville, Alabama, Port St. Joe, Florida, and Flomaton, Alabama before founding Faith Chapel in Huntsville in 1967. He pastored there for over 40 years before retiring from pastoring but not ministry.
While living in Brownville, Joel served as chaplain in the Civil Air Patrol. He also worked as a reporter for the Evergreen Courant and wrote feature stories that were picked up by the Associated Press. His writing was a life long interest and he wrote many articles for the church newspaper and a book entitled Fresh Bread from the Pastor’s Table. He had a daily radio program in Huntsville that spanned almost 20 years. He was instrumental in starting the chaplaincy program at Huntsville Hospital and served as chaplain there.
His ministry impacted thousands and enabled him to speak in a number of countries around the world, including Cuba, The Philippines, Hong Kong, Africa, and Europe.
He loved God, he loved life, he loved his family, he loved to learn. He was always studying and using that knowledge to teach others. He was gentle and generous. He loved words and chose them carefully. He was known for his deep thoughts, clever wit, and play on words. He consistently cultivated a life of prayer and gratitude and expressed that gratitude continually. He embodied the character of Christ in the way he was able to completely forgive others.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents and 11 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janelle, his sons Steven, and David (Shari), and daughter LaNita (Jonathan) Eby, and 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Bernardine Williams, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Faith Chapel at 11:00 AM. Visitation will follow at 12:00 PM. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at Brownville Memorial Cemetery in Brownville, AL at 2:00 PM.
