Lawrence Beaufort Graham

ANDERSON — Dr. Lawrence Beaufort Graham died Sunday at his home in Anderson, SC, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Dr. Graham was born October 12, 1932, in Lee County, SC, the son of the late Lawrence B. and Vermell Graham. Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday at Salem Baptist Church, 1325 Salem Church Road, Anderson, SC, and entombment in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with military funeral honors where the United States Army will pay final tribute on behalf of a grateful nation.
 
Dr. Graham attended Catawba College, was a graduate of Furman University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity by Bethel Baptist Church. He joined the United States Army in 1959, where he served God and our military in the Chaplain Corps, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was a Vietnam War veteran and during his military career was awarded the Army Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal (4 Campaigns); Meritorious Unit Citation; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Meritorious Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; and The Legion of Merit, a decoration awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements and the sixth in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations. Dr. Graham was as active during retirement as in his military career, serving as interim pastor of Hermitage Baptist Church and as pastor of Southside Baptist Church, both of Camden, SC, working for Anderson School District 5, serving as Associate Pastor and Music Director for Salem Baptist Church and Music Director for Bethel Baptist Church, both of Anderson, SC. He served as supply pastor for churches in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Finally, and until his death, he served as Chief Bailiff at the Anderson County Courthouse. He was a 32nd degree Mason.
 
Dr. Graham is survived by his wife, Caroline Brown Graham, by his children and stepchildren, Deborah Graham Napper, David Lawrence Graham, Stephen Beaufort Graham, Jimmie Greg Cash, Ann Cash Cartee, and his granddaughter raised in his home, Jessica Cash Vickery, 13 more grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made by check or money order, payable to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and mailed to Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, PO Box 91840, Santa Barbara, CA 93190-1840. More information about the foundation may be found at their website at www.curemeso.org.
 
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:7-8.
 
A message of condolence may be expressed by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.
 
The McDougald Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements.