Savannah - Clarence C. Graham, 77, succumbed to Huntington's disease, as he passed away peacefully yesterday at Spanish Oaks Retreat.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence E. and Idaree Graham.
Mr. Graham is survived by a wife, Nancy, two children: Kimberly Graham and Dana Graham Wodkowski Michael. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Brittany McLaughlin and Graham Wodkowski.
A Retired Major, Carl is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he proudly served two tours of duty, instructed various courses, and was awarded several badges and medals. His awards and decorations include the Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Badge, Sharpshooter Badge, Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor with four oak leaf clusters, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valor with three oak leaf clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Star, Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
A teenager eager to serve his country, he falsified his age in order to join the U.S. Army but was later found to be serving before his time. He was dismissed for three months until he reached legal age and re-enlisted at the same rank to proudly serve his country for over twenty years.
A brother of Delta Sigma Pi, he earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree with Senior Honors from the University of Tampa. He went on to open a successful accounting firm in 1974 and become an accredited financial manager. He made numerous successful business ventures, which can be directly attributed to his work ethic, which he developed as a young man. His penchant for success and stability was legendary. His word meant something, and he took pride in a satisfied customer. The discipline and patriotism he sought and learned in the U.S. Army never left him, as friends and family will attest. He is a member of the American Legion Post 36, Savannah's Alee Shriners, and a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. With perseverance and dedication, he built a legacy that his family will carry proudly.
Family would like to extend their appreciation to Spanish Oaks Hospice and Caregivers.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 5, 2014 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe Page, William "Red" Davis, Freddie King, Lynn Myrick, Frank Graham, and Junior Graham.
Burial will be in Bonaventure Cemetery with full military honors.
Remembrances may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, or Spanish Oaks Hospice, 8510 Whitfield Ave, Savannah, GA 31406.
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel