Benjamin Edward "Ben" Graham

1929 - 2020

Benjamin "Ben" Edward Graham, 90, of Panama City FL, is resting in peace as of Friday, August 7, 2020.  He was born September 2, 1929 in Birmingham AL and attended Central Park Baptist Church.  He joined the United States Marine Corp at the age of 15 and served in WWII and the Korean War.  He received a Bronze Star for saving a group of men at Choisin Reservoir.  Upon his return to Birmingham, he married the love of his life, Carroll Eloise Graham, on January 17, 1952.  His work career began at the American Cast Iron Pipe Co. for 12 years.  During that time, he and Eloise invested in rental properties at Panama City Beach FL.  They moved to Panama City Beach in 1962 and established the Green Star and the El Dorado Motels.  Ben served as Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 323 at Panama City Beach and was also instrumental in forming the first Midget Football League on Panama City Beach.  He participated in the construction of Gulf Beach Baptist Church as well as the Pete Edwards Midget Football Field.  He was a member of the Panama City Beach Volunteer Fire Dept. for 15 years as well as serving on the Panama City Beach Civil Service Board.  Ben was a founding member of the Beach Optimist Club, a lifetime member of Gulf Beach Baptist Church, and currently a member of Woodlawn Methodist Church.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Thelma Graham; three brothers and four sisters.  He is survived by his wife, Eloise Graham; two sons:  Alan Graham (Sheila) and Mark Graham (Julie); five grandchildren:  Austin Rhett Graham (Jessica), Chase Kristofferson Graham (Samantha), Sierra Delene Graham, Sarah Beth Dixon and Lauren Lancaster; five great grandchildren:  Sydney, Peyton, Wyatt, Justin and Emma; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held Friday, August 14, 2020 at 2:00 pm in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens with Pastor Greg George officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Panama City Beach Optimist Club Foundation, P. O. Box 9259, Panama City Beach FL  32417 (checks made payable to Optimist Foundation).

Wilson Funeral Home
Family Owned Since 1911
214 Airport Road
Panama City, Fla.
850-785-5272