Elmore Graham

Mr. Graham peacefully passed away at a local healthcare facility.He is the husband of Gertrude Graham and a retiree of the United States Navy.Funeral Services are Friday, December 19, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Greater Trinity Baptist Church located at 3146 Ocean View Blvd.; San Diego, California 92113. Viewing is One Hour Prior to the service, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Church. Burial will immediately follow service at Mt. Hope Cemetery where he will receive Full Military Honors. Please feel free to contact our office for additional information."I'm blessed for what I got"ELMORE GRAHAM was born on August 31, 1925 in Florida. He was one of eleven children born to Billy and Ida Mae Graham. His parents, seven sisters and two brothers preceded him in death. Elmore completed his education to the eighth grade, at which time he worked on the farm to help support the large family.On September 1, 1942, Elmore joined the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. He retired from the Navy on October 2, 1962 after twenty years of service. After retiring from the Navy, Elmore gained employment at San Diego State University as a Custodian Supervisor. After twenty-one years of dedicated service and commitment Elmore retired once again. In 1960, while in the Navy, Elmore had briefly met a beautiful young lady named Gertrude Railey. At that time, he did not know how God would direct their future. Two years later, Elmore and Gertrude were reacquainted and they were joined in marriage on January 30, 1963. In 1979, Elmore united with Greater Trinity Baptist Church under the pastorage of Reverend Clyde E. Gaines. He served as a Deacon until illness prevented him from attending church services. He loved his church and church family, but above all, he really loved the Lord. His favorite saying was "I'm blessed for what I got".Elmore was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed watching WWE wrestling matches on television, at which time you did not want to disturb him. He also enjoyed going to Hometown Buffet, which he did regularly.On Wednesday, December 10, 2014, God called his faithful servant home to rest. Left to continue his legacy is his devoted wife, Gertrude Graham; two sons (from a previous marriage), Elmore Graham, Jr. and John Allen Graham both of Los Angeles, California; his last surviving sister, Lottie Mae White of Florida; two adopted adult children, Bruce Steele (Renee) of San Diego, California and Johnnie Mitchell-Davis (Eric) of Chandler, Arizona; grandsons, Lamar Mitchell (Tamika) of Phoenix, Arizona and Aaron E. Steele of San Diego, California; granddaughters, Yvette Robins-Huff (Carey) of Chandler, Arizona and Kesia D. Steele of San Diego, California; great granddaughters, Arieana Huff and Angelique Huff both of Chandler, Arizona and Darielle J. Steele-Ward of San Diego, CA; one goddaughter, Rachel J. Steele of San Diego, California and a host of other relatives and friends.