Judge Graham Jr.

Judge Graham was born on August 18, 1960, in Plant City, Florida, to his proud parents, Judge Graham Sr. and Emma Lou Graham. He graduated from Plant City High School in 1978 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy.

Judge devoted more than 42 years of service to this Nation, including 26 years of honorable active-duty service as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. Over the course of his distinguished military career, he circumnavigated the globe aboard the USS Nimitz and other conventionally powered aircraft carriers. He was deeply committed to mentorship, training both junior and senior Sailors and helping them achieve meaningful professional growth.

Following his military retirement, Judge continued his service to the Nation as a Management Analyst with the Department of Defense, Joint Staff Hampton Roads, supporting Combatant Commanders and Warfighters around the world. Prior to this role, he served as a Navy contractor for three years as a subject matter expert and Fleet Liaison for the Naval Personnel Development Center.

Judge earned a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education, Training, and Development from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. As a certified Master Training Specialist, he taught environmental and safety courses to military and civilian students from around the globe.

A proud U.S. Navy Veteran, Judge remained dedicated to the Veteran community, assisting fellow service members in navigating the VA benefits system and connecting them with resources to ease their transition into civilian life. He was recognized by Virginia State University for completing the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate Program, and he applied his training through his work with Hampton Roads Urban Agriculture, LLC. Alongside other Veterans, he helped provide healthy, organic fruits and vegetables to underserved and food-insecure communities, ensuring access to nutritious options for low-income families.

Judge was preceded in death by his loving parents, Judge Graham, Sr., and Emma Lou Graham, and by his sister, Tonya Graham. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Diane S. Graham; his daughter, Lena Graham (Suffolk, VA); his sisters, Demetria (Adolphus Sr.), Teresha, and Shelia; his brother, Reginald Graham, all of Plant City, Florida; and a host of nieces and nephews and Veteran friends.

Viewing: Monday, November 24, 2025 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA

Laid to Rest: Garden of Peace Cemetery 102 East Spencer Street Plant City, FL