Robert A. Graham Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Robert Allen Graham, loving and supportive husband, father, granddad and great granddad, entered Heaven’s gates on August 3, 2022, after living a life of faith and service for 101 years. Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on October 4, 1920, to Harry C. and Maude (Decker) Graham, Bob grew up in Indiana, Pennsylvania. A 1938 graduate of Indiana High School, Bob attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania then the University of Pittsburgh where he received a B.S. in Business Administration. A WWII veteran, Bob proudly served his country as a Cadet-Midshipman in the Merchant Marines and Coast Guard. Following his service he moved to Canton, Ohio, where he began a long career in sales/sales training and management starting with the Timken Company, followed by Remington Rand, and spent most of his career at Diebold, Inc. While at Timken he met the love of his life, Barbara, and they were married on August 28, 1948. They purchased and renovated a home on Lake Cable where they raised their three daughters and enjoyed lake life for many years. Bob and Barbara were two of the charter members of the Church of the Lakes (Methodist) where he taught Sunday School and served on numerous committees. He relocated the family to Brecksville, OH for seven years and then they returned to Massillon, OH, where he retired as Diebold’s General Manager of the Commercial Security Group. Bob was an active member and leader of Sales Management Executives as well as Toastmasters. After retirement Bob and Barbara spent winters in Ft. Myers, Florida, enjoying the warm weather, their wonderful friends, and the many activities in the area. Bob was an avid tennis player (until the age of 86) and an active member of Kiwanis. He and Barbara eventually relocated to Mooresville, North Carolina, to be nearer to family. Bob was a good friend, always seeing the good in people and situations and truly enjoyed the company of his many close friends. He loved his family, his home, his dogs (especially his collies) and chocolate. Among his many passions were reading, gardening, lake life/boating, music (jazz was a favorite) and theater. Bob is survived by his brother Harry (Rita) of Smyrna, DE, daughters Nancy (Dave) Whitman and Susan (John) Croley of Mooresville, NC; Mindy (Andy) Bostick of Charlotte, NC; 7 grandchildren, Allison Graham, Elisabeth (Chris) Fredell, John Andrew Croley, Caroline (Chris Tumbleston) Whitman, J. Alexander Bostick, Zachary (Erin) Bostick, Joshua Croley; 1 great grandchild, Robert Fredell. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years, Barbara (Berkey) Graham. Those desiring to honor Bob’s life may send a donation to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, online or by check mailed to 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Robert A. Graham

October 4, 1920 - August 3, 2022