Charles Douglas "Doug" McGraw

Charles Douglas "Doug" McGraw, 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family on September 5, 2023. Well known for his love of smoking butts on the grill and drinking Michelob Ultra, Doug was a friend to many and will be missed by all.
Doug was born on October 2, 1943, in Spartanburg, SC to the late Walter A. "Pete" McGraw and Thelma E. Adams McGraw. He grew up in Spartanburg and attended Spartanburg High School. He spent his whole life as an electrician. He served as an E4 Electrician's Mate in the US Navy from 1963 to 1965. After his time in the Navy, he owned his own electrical services companies, first opening Doug's Electric Company and then eventually retiring from BCD Electrical Company.
Doug met his soulmate and the love of his life, Cheryl Rogers McGraw and they married in 1997. The two of them joining together made a blended family of eight. Doug is survived by Cheryl, his wife of 26 years and a daughter, Traci McGraw Williams (Brad) of Salisbury, NC. He is also survived by two sons, Lee Dittemore (Stacy) of Campobello, SC and Jared Dittemore (Jessica) of Inman, SC. He was affectionately known as "Papa Monster" to his eleven much loved grandchildren: William Carroll and Colby Jarvis, Courtney and Meredith Williams, Brockman and Bradley Dittemore, Dixie and Raylan Dittemore, and Charlie, Pope and Gabriel McGraw. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Doug was predeceased by his parents, his two sisters, Norma Jean Harris and Kathy Ann Glover and three of his children, Misty Jarvis, Chuck McGraw and Benji McGraw.
Doug was a lover of life and lived each and every moment like it was his last. He was a generous soul, always offering whatever needed to be given whether it was time, talent or treasure. He was a giver to and served the community as a member of the Civitan Club, North Spartanburg Fire Department and Boiling Springs Fire Department. He never met a person he didn't try and turn in to a friend and he always wanted to make everyone feel like they were his best friend.
One of his greatest joys in life was music. He played in many bands in his early years and spoke fondly of his travels and gigs with one band in particular, the Grand Dukes, since they roamed all over the Carolinas and Georgia. He played the trumpet and was a collector of guitars. He spent countless hours on the back porch or sitting outside his camper in Myrtle Beach listening to his favorite songs and singing along. As the dementia he fought slowly took his memories, the songs he loved singing the most kept coming through loud and clear.
A celebration of life will be held at Doug and Cheryl's home on September 9, 2023 at 3:00 pm with Pastor Lee Dittemore officiating. A playlist of many of his favorite songs has been compiled and will be played after the service while the family visits with friends in the home.
Much appreciation is given to the whole Hospice Care team who looked after Doug the last several months with special thanks to his nurse Jessica and his aide Anna.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doxa Church Building Fund 572 Cromwell Dr Spartanburg, SC 29301or the North Spartanburg Fire Department Explorers 8767 Asheville Hwy Spartanburg, SC 29316.