Samuel Graham Obituary
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in the chapel of Hughes & Wright Funeral Home, with burial following at Dorough Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Sam was born in Shelby, North Carolina, to Arthur Graham and Lee Lovette Graham. He was preceded in death by his beloved sisters and brothers-in-law, Cornelia and Charlie Dorsey, and Jo and Howard Bolick.
Sam was a man who loved his church, his community, and his country. A faithful member of Morningside Baptist Church, he also devoted much of his life to service through the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. He was a proud member of Cordelia Masonic Lodge No. 296 for 65 years and the Al Sihah Shriners in Macon for more than 60 years. Sam especially enjoyed his involvement with the Crisp County Cougar Touchdown Club, where he shared his love for local sports and fellowship.
Known for his friendly nature and dedication to people, Sam worked for many years as a photographer for school photographs and reunions, preserving memories for countless families. He was also an insurance agent with Southern Harvest Insurance, where he built lasting relationships with those he served.
Sam proudly served his country with honor in the United States Army. He will be remembered for his loyalty, kindness, and quiet strength, and he leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 33 years, Mary Jane Graham of Cordele, his siblings Everette Graham and his wife Betty of Holden Beach, N.C., Jeneva Dawson and her husband Bill of Stanley, N.C., Katherine Kanipe of Blacksburg, S.C., and Nell Beal of California; and a number of nieces and nephews.
For those who wish to express online condolences, please visit www.hughesandwright.com. Hughes & Wright Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with these arrangements. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Samuel (Sam) Oakley, please visit our Tree Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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