Gary Graham

Gary Wayne Graham, age 80 of Franklin, peacefully entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on January 12, 2025 surrounded by his family. Gary was married to his bride Sheila for 60 years, and leaves a rich legacy as a beloved husband, defending father, devoted Papa, thoughtful friend, fervid Christian, and daring boat captain.

 Gary is survived by his loving wife Sheila; daughters Felicia Graham and Heather (Tommy) McCarl; grandchildren Bailey (Hal) Moyer, Will Hymer, Ross Hymer, and Maggie McCarl; sister Sue Huffaker; and granddogs Auggie, Delta, and Humphrey. As well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

 Gary grew up in Marion, Ohio and graduated high school from Elm Valley in Ashley, Ohio. During high school, he lived on the farm with his Uncle Wayne Brandes and family. He often said that is when he learned the value of sound character and strong work ethic. 

Gary and Sheila met in elementary school, and by 15 years old, he knew she was the woman he would marry (though Sheila adamantly protested). On December 6, 1964, Gary and Sheila were married in Wesley Methodist Church surrounded by their family and bright red poinsettia flowers. 

Gary began his career as an electrician at Tecumseh Products in Marion, Ohio. When Tecumseh closed its doors in 1984, Gary continued his career at General Motors in Mansfield, Ohio. He was thrilled by the opportunity to join the Saturn Team in Spring Hill, Tennessee where he worked until his retirement in 2009. Gary was proud to be a part of creating American cars, and was an active member of United Automobile Workers Local 1853 in Spring Hill. 

Gary was an avid boater: the proud captain of “The Irish Lady.” He was the happiest on the water, and loved taking family and friends skiing and tubing. He spent many wonderful years as a member of the Marion Power Squadron. Gary especially loved taking his family to Lakeside on Lake Erie, as well as adventuring to Northern Michigan to explore lighthouses on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. His memories at Brevort Lake, Delaware Dam, and Mackinac Island were some of his favorites. During family reunions, brave family members of all ages clamored to board “Uncle Gary’s” boat for water tubing and skiing. He would return from a day on the lake with a smile brighter than his sunburn.

Gary and Sheila’s life in Franklin, Tennessee began in 1992 when the Saturn plant opened. Gary was always passionate about all things patriotic, and was known for carrying the American flag for many local events and parades. He loved attending events supporting veterans, police officers, and firefighters. Once he retired, he loved spending time with family and volunteering at church with the special needs ministry and Vacation Bible School. He was honored and proud to be baptized in 2016. 

Truly, Gary never knew a stranger. He was a friend to all and ardently protected his family. The strong work ethic he had developed on the family farm was most evident as he helped others. From campaigning for friends running for office to volunteering at his granddaughters’ schools, Gary never was bored. Still, his little acts of service are the ones we hold most dear in our hearts: delivering loaves of bread to teachers, pulling weeds with Sheila in the yard, baking a cake just because, driving a friend to an appointment, and surprising Sheila with red roses. 

For eighty years, Gary Graham’s joy and determination roared as fiercely as the engine of his boat. Hebrews 12:1 reads, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Our marvelous Gary truly showed each of us how to run the race with endurance. He surely finished well, surrounded by his family and unfailingly displaying humor and kindness and strength.. His entrance into heaven was reminiscent of his return from a long day on the water; the boat’s roaring engine quieted into a lulling hum that persisted until reaching the dock, while the captain smiled, knowing his journey had been a success. 

The Celebration of Life services will be held on June 13, at Church of the City - Spring Hill. In Lieu of flowers to honor Gary’s memory, the family kindly requests contributions for the creation of a memorial garden & bench. https://everloved.com/life-of/gary-graham-franklin-tn/donate/

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family at williamsfh.com.