Robert F Graham Jr
Rank: Unknown
Entered Into Eternal Rest
2023-08-31
Robert F. Graham Jr., son of the late Naomi L. Sturcken and Robert F. Graham Sr, was born in Charleston, SC, on October 23, 1932. He graduated from Murray Vocational School and was a devoted Stella Maris Catholic Church member.
Robert Fladger Graham Jr. had many nicknames, including Bobby G, Bob, Dad, Papa Granny, and most affectionately known as Sarge. Granny was a nickname he earned by caring for his troops in Vietnam.
Sarge grew up on Sullivan's Island, where he met his lifelong sweetheart at 9. Sarge and Anne Limoges were married in 1956.
Sarge enjoyed fishing, hunting, working on outboard motors, and spending time with family and friends.
Sarge enlisted in the US Navy in 1951 and was assigned to the Ice Breaker, USS Edisto.
In 1955, Sarge enlisted in the USAF, where Bull Benini recruited him to join the Combat Control Team. He retired in 1974 with multiple awards, including two Bronze Stars. Sarge earned a Master Parachutist Badge. He made a Combat Jump in Vietnam on February 22, 1967, during Operation Junction City, the First CCT Mass Tactical Airborne Assault.
Sarge was respected throughout the Combat Control Community. He attended Combat Control reunions until May 2023. He was life member #12 of the Combat Control Association.
Sarge served several tours in Vietnam. After retiring, he became a certified outboard motor mechanic and Jack of all Trades.
Sarge is pre-deceased by his parents, stepfather George M. Conner, wife Anne, son George, and his only sibling, Joan McLaughlin.
He leaves behind four adult children: Robert, Richard, Ann Marie, and Paul. In addition, he leaves behind five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Sarge became a Veteran's Victory House resident in December 2021 and transferred to the Richard M Campbell Veteran's Home in February 2023, where he received excellent care and was surrounded by Veterans.
The Mass for Christian Burial was celebrated on September 8, 2023, at Stella Marris Catholic Church located at 1204 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC. The burial immediately followed the mass at St. Lawrence Cemetery at Huguenin Ave, Charleston, SC.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Combat Control Foundation. As you know, Combat Control held a special place in Sarge's heart. This organization ensures all Combat Controllers, and their families are supported. They do this through programs for Wellness, Resilience, Education, and Heritage to ensure no one is left behind and the proud history of this community is never forgotten.
<a href="https://www.combatcontrolfoundation.org/donate">https://www.combatcontrolfoundation.org</a>
Combat Control Foundation
PO Box 432
Mary Esther, FL 32569-0432
1 (850) 684-4296
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister Smith Funeral Home Mount Pleasant, located at 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; 843-884-3833.
