John W. Graham

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John W. Graham, 78, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, who departed this life peacefully on May 22, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family and cherished friends. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, and friend, John was a man of quiet strength, boundless kindness, and unwavering wisdom-gifts he shared generously with everyone he met.
Born on March 1, 1947, in Poplar Grove, Arkansas, John was the eldest child of Mary Bell Graham Young Cummings. He answered the call to serve his country with honor, completing 22 years in the U.S. Navy, where he retired as HT1 Graham. A master welder by trade, John went on to work for shipbuilding and repair companies around the world for another two decades. Even after his second "retirement" in 2020, his Midwestern work ethic kept him active, and he continued working at Glenwood Elementary School, where he brought joy, support, and encouragement to a new generation.
John will be most remembered for his enduring love of family. Holidays at the Graham home were a beloved tradition, filled with laughter, soul food, and the sound of oldies playing in the background as he manned the grill. He shared nearly 60 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Martha Diane Graham, whom he first met on a baseball field-a fitting start for a couple whose lives were always grounded in teamwork, resilience, and joy.
John was a fighter, having survived the Vietnam War, open-heart surgery, and-as he often joked-the trials of raising a teenage daughter. His humor and humility left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Diane Graham; daughter, Kim Graham Miller Sudderth; granddaughters, Kayla Monroe, Alanna Miller, and Elyse Miller; sister, Viola Fay Bean; and brothers, Julius Young, Victor Darnell Young, and David Young; special brother- and sister-in-Law, Larry and Louise Brown. He is also remembered lovingly by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, whom he affectionately called "Ma Dear," and his brother, Roosevelt Young.
Viewing:
Thursday, May 29, 2025
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Metropolitan Funeral Service
120 West Berkley Avenue
Norfolk, VA
Celebration of Life:
COME IN PERSON OR WATCH ONLINE
Friday, May 30, 2025
10:00 AM
Metropolitan Funeral Service
120 West Berkley Avenue
Norfolk, VA