Obituary of Henderson Graham

Henderson Patton Graham, 86, died September 19, 2013, surrounded by his beloved wife and four children. He was a Southern gentleman, dapper in his trademark bowties, devout in his faith, kind-hearted in spirit, fierce in his convictions, staunch in his politics, dedicated to his community, and passionate in his abiding love for his family. Henderson had five constant loves in his life: his sweetheart and wife of 59 years, his children and 11 grandchildren, the church, dentistry, and his passion for making Marion a better place. Henderson was born on January 26, 1927, on a farm in Pennington Gap, Virginia, to Bradley and Mabel Cunningham Graham. He loved his older sister, Jane Graham Elliott, who preceded him in death. He proudly joined the Navy to serve his country and to "see the world" but never got out of Virginia, where he was stationed during WWII. Even as a little boy he wanted to be a dentist. After graduating from Lincoln Memorial University and the Medical College of Virginia, he practiced dentistry from 1954 until his retirement in 1992. He was honored to be appointed to the Virginia Board of Dental Examiners, which he served as President; as well as President of the American Association of Dental Examiners. He enjoyed the intricate work and used his dental instruments to carve miniature dollhouse replicas of family furniture. His strong convictions and moral compass converged in his faith, politics and community service. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church and also rarely missed a Sunday at Mountain View Methodist Church, where his son, John, serves as pastor. Henderson believed that the Good Lord had put him on this earth for a purpose and he was determined to leave the world a better place. He was a visionary, whose persistence and ability to simply "get things done," brought about significant developments in Smyth County. In 1967, he helped establish Smyth County Community Hospital and served as chairman of the board for 29 years. He eagerly recruited physicians to Marion, promising a wonderful small-town life. From being president of the Jaycees in 1954 to being president of the chamber of commerce again in 2010, he never stopped his quest to make his beloved Town of Marion a better place. Even in his 80's, Henderson still envisioned possibilities for the "old" hospital to bring economic vitality as well as vital health care to the underserved area. His vision is being fulfilled as Emory and Henry College repurposes the former hospital to become the new School of Health Sciences. He was a loyal member and past president of the Marion Rotary Club. He earned the Rotary designation of District Governor and Paul Harris Fellow for his longtime "service above self." He was patriotic and a proud leader of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. He loved to jitterbug and twirl Jouette and "was the first one on the dance floor and the last one to leave". He was a dedicated Southern democrat, strong in Christian values and belief in helping the less fortunate. Henderson was grateful for his many blessings, most of all his beloved family. He is survived by his cherished wife of 59 years, Jouette Wheeler Graham; his daughter, Mimi Graham, and her children, Caroline and Christopher; his sons: Patton Graham and his wife Liz, and children, Alec, Ade, Grae and Princeton; Tom and his wife, Mary Beth and their children Maggie and Mary Briggs; John Graham, and his wife, Beth, and their children, Abby, Anna and Ava Kate; his foreign exchange son, Thorsten Deneke; his sister Jane's children: Eric, Ruth and Margaret; and many dear friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 27 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Marion, where the memorial service will also be held on Saturday, September 28 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Jonathan Jonas officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn. The family will also receive friends at their home afterward. In lieu of flowers the family invites contributions to be made to the Graham Scholarship for the Emory & Henry College School of Health Sciences (30461 Garnand Drive, Emory, VA 24327) or to First United Methodist Church of Marion (115 South Church Street, Marion, VA 24354). Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Graham Family.