James Earl Graham's Obituary
James Earl Graham, 83, of Kannapolis, passed away Saturday, December 22, 2007, at CMC-NorthEast, after five months of declining health and one week of serious illness.
Born January 19, 1924, in Cabarrus County, Mr. Graham was the son of the late Thomas A. and Eunice Moore Graham. He graduated from China Grove High School and studied photography at Modern School of Photography in New York City. A member of the "greatest generation", he was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps in England.
Mr. Graham was a photographer by trade. Upon his departure from the military, he owned and operated the Camera and Hobby Shop in Kannapolis while working as a staff photographer at The Daily Independent. After leaving the newspaper, he ran Earl Graham Studios and spent many years as a highly regarded and respected member of the American Kennel Club, photographing dog shows across the eastern U.S. before his retirement only a few years ago.
Interests included model railroading, radio control boats and airplanes, reading, and Classical as well as Big Band music.
In addition to his parents, his sister, Betty Sue Huneycutt, preceded Mr. Graham in death.
He is survived by his three daughters, Janet Smith and husband Ronnie of Concord, Jane Hutchinson of Concord, Ann Rollins and husband Phil of Salisbury; grandchildren, Sandra Franklin and husband Bobby, Andy Smith, Michael Keene and wife Carin, Maria Russell and husband Kevin, Joanna Hutchinson, and Jamie Rollins and wife Jennifer; as well as six great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his beloved pet Whippet, "Sweetheart", known by many at area restaurants. (The family would like to thank the employee friends at Glenn's Bar-B-Q and K&W restaurants.)
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at Lady's Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove at 3 p.m. following the visitation, with the Rev. J. Nathan King officiating.
Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.
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