Sam Henry Graham, Sr.

Sam Henry Graham, Sr., 82, was the oldest of ten children born to the late Mose A. Graham and Calene Graham on August 5, 1943, in Huntsville, Alabama. In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his siblings, Mose “Sport” Graham Jr., Barbara (Leroy) Reed, Hattie Graham, Sharon Graham, Michael Graham; niece, Jamie Graham, nephews Joshua Graham, Anthony Graham, grandson: Ke’Von Graham and Liz Sullivan.

Sam Henry Graham, Sr. gave his life to Christ at an early age at St. James AME Church and later moved on to various churches serving as a deacon and spiritual mentor to many. The Graham children of St. James AME knew Uncle Sam Henry as the church van driver/chaperon for services and events.

Sam Henry Graham, Sr. was educated in the Nashville Public School system. He graduated from Meigs High School in 1961. Sam was well known in East Nashville and was passionate about remaining connected to the community from childhood to adulthood. His involvement included playing basketball in high school, refereeing recreational league basketball at Cleveland Center, and umpire baseball at Shelby Park, both facilities remain historical landmarks in East Nashville. Sam Henry’s dedication to the community involved working on the weekends at D&L Market, managing John’s Nightclub, and co-managing Rudy’s Barbeque Pit, all establishments were located on Main Street in the late 70’s.

Sam Henry Graham, Sr was employed by Metro Transit Authority (MTA) and became a human Global Positioning System (GPS) knowing the location of every street and intersection throughout the greater Nashville area. After several years, he left MTA (currently known as WeGo Transit) to devote his life to serving the church and watching the Tennessee Titans’ games with his family and friends.

Those mourning his passing, yet rejoicing about the blessing of sharing in his life includes devoted children: Sam (Marlene) Graham Jr., Jaunita Graham and a very devote ex-wife Rhunette Graham Robinson, and son Terrence (Angela) Washington; children-in-love Princess (Donnie) Reed and Steven “Porkchop” Washington and a very devoted love one Barbara Washington; grandkids: Samuel Graham, Di’Juan Graham, Breauna Landrum, Philandrous Booker, Terrance Washington and Markquecia (Julius) Cook ; great-grandkids: Maliyah Graham; Jaithan Washington, Jusaia Cook, Journee Cook, Jhuri Cook; siblings: Donnell Graham, Rosetta Graham, Joyce (Bobby) Graham, and Geraldine (John) Prysock; devoted nephew Leroy Reed III. Lifetime friends; Mary Pearl Campbell, Harry Gilmore, Charles Watkins, and Reverend James McKissack, the St James AME family and a voluminous host of nieces and nephews.