Walter N. McGraw
Walter N. McGraw, of Newberry and Gainesville, died suddenly Saturday, January 2, 2021. He was 81. Walter was born in Ansted, WV, where he was raised until he joined the Navy in 1958. He served diligently until 1962, where he served two more years in the Reserves. Walter dedicated the rest of his life to fighting fires and educating others on the importance of fire safety. He worked as a fireman for the Gainesville Fire Department from 1965 until his retirement in 1990. One retirement was not enough, he then went on to work for the state as a Fire Marshall until his second retirement in 2004. Walter then started his own fire inspection business until he was called home to heaven. Always trust in God, and obey His word, so you will never have a fire problem.
He is survived by his wife Charlotte Howell McGraw of Newberry, FL, daughter, Tina McGraw Robbins (Pat) of Micanopy, FL, his granddaughter, Brooke Robbins (Lee) of Reddick, FL, his granddaughter, Nicki Carlisle of Micanopy, FL, and great-granddaughter, Riley Elarth of Micanopy, FL, his brother, Frank McGraw (Betty) of Gainesville, FL, his brother, Larry McGraw of Gainesville, FL, his stepbrother, Carlos Hart (Kathi) of Jacksonville, FL, his brother-in-law, Charles Howell (Joyce) of Port St. Lucie, FL, his sister-in-law, Sharon Toops (Charlie) of Gainesville, FL, his stepbrother, Carlos Hart (Kathi) of Jacksonville, FL, his nephew, Kenny Toops (Monica) of Gainesville, FL, his nieces, She Howell Ference, Haley Ference (Hunter), Jolie Ference, Kaydin Ference of Gainesville, FL, extended family, Janet Balance (Kenny) of Lake City, FL, Janet Fernandez of Jacksonville, FL. He had many others who called him Uncle, Grandpa, Opa, and Papa Bear.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Melba L. Pitmon of Gainesville, FL, father, Howard G. McGraw of Gainesville, FL, his stepmother, Beryl H. McGraw of Gainesville, FL, his brother, Clinton Darrell McGraw of Gainesville, FL, his sister-in-law, Janice M. McGraw of Gainesville, FL, his niece, Sherrie McGraw of Gainesville, FL, his niece, Tracie McGraw Byrd of Gainesville, FL.
A celebration of Walter's life will be held Mon, Jan 11th, 2021 at Countryside Cemetery at 11:15am, with the family receiving friends ahead of time from 10:00am-11:00am at Countryside Baptist Church, 10926 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville FL 32606. The family asks for everyone to please wear a mask while indoors. In lieu of flowers please make memorial gifts in Walter's memory to the City of Gainesville, Gainesville Fire Rescue, 1025 NE 13th ST, Gainesville FL 32601. Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, 22405 W. Newberry RD, Newberry FL 32669. 352-472-5361 www.milamfh.com