Charles Edward McGraw

Charles Edward McGraw, 87, a longtime resident of Minor Heights, AL went home to be with the Lord on May 27, 2021. He was born June 5, 1933 in Birmingham, AL to Charles LaFayette McGraw and Julia Louise Knobloch McGraw. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Adams McGraw; parents; brother, Reuben Reed McGraw; and sister, Julia Carolyn McGraw Shepherd. He is survived by his children, daughter, Pat McGraw of Pelham, AL; son, Doug McGraw (Terri) of Warrior, AL; son, Mike McGraw (Leslie) of Springville, AL; seven grandchildren, Matt (Kathleen) McGraw, Spencer (Cait) McGraw, Tiffany (Josh) Tutolo, Mark (Kaitlin) McGraw, Jackson (Alison) Findlay, Austin (Autumn) Findlay and Abby Findlay; eight great-grandchildren, Adelynne Tutolo, Millie Tutolo, Sienna McGraw, Maggie McGraw, Walley McGraw, Beau Findlay, Wesley Findlay, and Amelia Findlay; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Charles was very involved in the Lion’s Club and instrumental in starting the volunteer fire department in Minor, including the building and negotiating to purchase the first fire truck that he and one of his sons picked up from US Steel in Ensley and drove back to Minor with a tour of the community to let everyone see. His CPR training from working in the mines helped save his future brother in-law from drowning after an accident from an afternoon of swimming.

He loved the Lord and was active in his church. He found great joy in his family and their accomplishments. He also loved to work in his yard and his vegetable garden as well as wooding working, crafts, and jigsaw puzzles. Traveling was a favorite for him, as well. He had an adventurer’s spirit and loved trying new things. If he wasn’t traveling, he loved hearing all about what everyone did while traveling themselves. He had a great love for people and loved to help and give to whomever he could.

Later in life, he and his wife were very active in the Silver Sneakers group at Lakeshore Foundation, and you could always count on him having a pocket of Scripture Candy to pass out no matter where he was.

A visitation will be at Elmwood Chapel Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 10 am, with services to follow at 11. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery.