Eugene Joseph Graham

Eugene Joseph "Mike" Graham Sr. was a true pioneer of Altoona, Florida. Born October 4, 1938, he was the youngest of three children. He passed on September 23, 2025, at the age of 86 surrounded by his loving wife of 65 years, Linda, family and friends. Mike was an Altoona legend, known by many for his love of local history, music, the circus, and all things John Phillips Sousa. His collections were vast and varied and there was no denying his passion for preserving our history. A veteran of the citrus industry, he took over his family's grove and proudly packed his oranges in Altoona, using one of the oldest packing plants in the state under the label and business name Graham Groves. During the o season he grew watermelons. His love of music was shared with his deceased brother, Oliver. Together they had a vast collection that spanned decades of recorded music. His collection is housed in "The Redneck Barn" where he could often be found for hours listening to his old Victrolas and cataloging bookshelves of vinyl discs and music paraphernalia. He also belonged to the Barbershop Quartet-The Orange Peels. He was one of the first-born babies at Waterman Hospital in Eustis, Florida and raised on his family's homestead in Altoona where he married his high school sweetheart, Linda, and raised three children. Many who knew him, knew of his quick wit and sense of humor, always sharing a joke, albeit sometimes inappropriate, or a story with anyone who would listen. He had many contributions to his community and helped found multiple organizations: The Lake County Boys Ranch where he served as President, Lakeview Terrace, and The Lake Sentinel Band where for many years he could be found playing his tuba. He volunteered at various organizations including Barberville Pioneer Art Settlement and Altoona Elementary School where for decades he pedaled cakes at the cake walk. He is predeceased by his mother Annie, father Lawrence, and brothers Oliver and Donnie Graham. He is survived by his wife Linda, son Michael (Mary) Graham, daughter Melinda (Chris) Watson, and son Joey (Amy) Graham. He had 7 grandchildren: Zachary (Amber) Graham, Margeaux (Michael) Jansky, Blake (Holly) Graham, Cooper Graham, Cameron (Anthony) Clay, Macey Graham, and Meyer Graham. His six great grandchildren include: Mary Beth, Tate Gus, Miley, Truitt, and Frances. Mike always would say that if he had the money, he would give it to the children at Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital, so in lieu of flowers we ask a donation be made on his behalf.