Larry Graham

Larry Graham, age 78 of Knoxville, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2015 at UT Medical Center. Born March 30, 1937 in Knoxville and attended both Farragut and Karns High Schools, he went on to teach in the Knox County School system for 40 years, spending 27 years teach physical education at Gibbs Elementary School. He also spent a large portion of his career as a basketball coach and referee. A loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Larry was a kind and good natured man whose words and actions demonstrated his faith in Jesus Christ. He was a longtime member, deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Sharon Baptist Church; and he also referred and participated extensively in the church’s Upward Basketball program. Preceded in death by parents Roy and Hattie Graham. Survived by wife of 46 years Carolyn Bailey Graham; son and daughter-in-law Dr. Kendall Graham and Kim; daughter Kimberly J. Graham; granddaughters Morgan and Lauren Graham; brothers and sisters-in-law Earl Graham, Don and Velma Graham, and Dale and Elizabeth Graham; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joan and Paul Mynatt. Also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family will receive friends 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Saturday at Sharon Baptist Church Ministry Center with funeral service to follow, Rev. Mark McCoig, Dr. James Robertson, Rev. Nick Cancemi officiating. Interment will follow service at Sharon Baptist Church Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons and Adult 6 Men’s Sunday School Class, his graduating class of Farragut and Karns High Schools, the Gibbs retired teacher’s lunch group, Upward Basketball leaders of Sharon Baptist Church, all of those he worked with and spouses, and Travis Brasfield, Bill Love, Fred Owenby, Joe Pratt, Jamie Deford, Ernie Israel, Dolly June Merritt, David Huntsinger, Paul Mynatt, Gerald Brantley, Bob Slayton, Pugh Hall, Tim Conners, Joe Stewart, Fred West, and Ernie Cox. Flowers are appreciated but if you wish, memorials may be made to the Sharon Baptist Ministry Center.