Robert B. Graham

Commander Robert B. Graham, Ret.

Commander Robert B. Graham, Ret., ("Bob", "Pop Pop"), passed away peacefully surrounded by family February 18, 2013, at the Margaret Z. Dozier Hospice House. Bob was born in Miami, Florida on October 13, 1925 to Holmer and Etheal Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother William and his older brother, Holmer and he is survived by his wife of 33 years, Mille Graham, his son Rob Graham (Margaret) his daughters Kathy Koontz, (Alan), Debbie Huey (Mike), Robin Safley (Sandy), granddaughters Caldwell Nystrom, Avery Nystrom, Amy Tucker (Sean), Claire Koontz, sister-in-laws Flossie Graham and Martha Parramore, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob graduated from Leon High School in 1943 and went into the Navy. After 4 years of service he attended University of Florida on the G.I. bill transferring to Florida State University when it became co-ed. He was a member of the inaugural Marching Chiefs, playing the trombone and continued to attend all alumni events until his health would not allow. He loved FSU. Upon graduation from FSU in 1950, Bob returned to the Navy as a commissioned officer and served our country over the next 30 years, retiring as a Commander. Upon retiring from the Navy, he went to work as the Purchasing Director at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, where he met the love of his life, Mille. He then retired from Baptist Hospital and they moved back to Tallahassee. True to his spirit of never stopping, Bob became the manager of Hilaman Golf Course until his third retirement in 1992.

Bob and Millie traveled extensively throughout the years always exploring. Bob loved the outdoors, playing golf, and fishing with his children and grandchildren. He was a stickler for history especially Florida history. You could always count on Pop Pop telling a story from his experience as a child growing up in Tallahassee in the 1930's. The stories were so vivid with detail that you could picture the dirt roads and horse drawn carriages which now are downtown Tallahassee. He shared with his children and grandchildren his faith and love of country and his life reflected the true definition of patriotism. Pop Pop was a strong influence and a sweet man. He never stopped learning always taking advantage of classes at FSU's Claude Pepper Center.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Capital City Christian Church, located at 6115 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308. The family will receive visitation at 10:00 a.m. at the church prior to the services with a small reception following the service at the church. In accordance with his wishes and Naval tradition, Bob will be buried at sea at a later date.

In lieu of flowers in accordance with Pop Pop's wishes donations may be made to Florida State University Foundation/College of Music, 2010 Levy Avenue, Post Office Box 306-2739, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2739. Fairchild Funeral Home, Tallahassee, (386-8686) is in charge of arrangements.