Funeral services for Deacon Ernest Graham Jr., 80, of 3414 Concord Church Road, Allendale, were held 12 noon Monday, February 19, 2018 at Revelation Ministries with Reverend Virgin Johnson Jr. officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Deacon Ernest Graham Jr. was born on May 7, 1937 in Allendale County to the late Ernest Graham Sr. and Idella Kearse Graham. He entered into eternal rest on February 15, 2018 at the Allendale County Hospital in Fairfax.
He graduated from CV Bing High School Class of 1958. At an early age, he joined and was baptized at Miller Swamp Baptist Church. During his tenure at Miller Swamp, he was an ordained Deacon, member of the Gospel Choir and served as a Trustee.
In 1959, he married the love of his life, the late Earnestine Williams Graham, with 58 years of love and to this union six children were born.
He later moved his membership to Revelations Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Virgin Johnson. Because of his love and passion for God’s word, he chose to minister through his music with The Chosen Ones. He was passionately known as Mr. Entertainer. Deacon Graham was a member of the Allendale Masonic Lodge No. 53 of Allendale and Solomon Chapter No. 22 Royal Arch Masons of Gifford. Deacon Graham was one of the Men of Valour and his late wife was one of the Mothers of Zion representing a powerful loving couple.
He was preceded in death by three sons: Cornell, John and Leonard; and one brother, Lavander Graham.
Deacon Graham leaves to cherish his fond memories, one daughter, Earnie Graham (Mack Pressley) of Augusta, Ga.; two sons: Wendell Graham and Alfonso Graham (Regina Williams), both of Charlotte, N.C.; three brothers: Freddie (Mamie) Graham of Allendale, Don (Rebecca) Graham and John (Venzena) Graham, both of Barnwell; four sisters: Adell (Henry) Harris, Ruth Ann Hines and Eleanor Hill, all of Allendale, and Eva Nell Walker of Charlotte, N.C.; two daughters-in-law: Helen Graham of Irmo and Monica Graham of Augusta, Ga.; 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; four sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and sympathizing friends.
Allendale Community Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.