Willard B. Graham, Jr., 89, of Lancaster, PA, entered into rest joining his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, October 26, 2014. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Willard B. Graham, Sr. and Helen Turpin Graham. Willard was the husband of Wilma Gwyn Graham with whom he celebrated 35 years of marriage. His first wife, Eleanore Clarke Graham died in 1979.
Willard spent his early years in Pennsauken, NJ, graduating from Merchantville High School in 1943. At the age of 18, he was assigned to the US Navy as a member of the Armed Guard serving as signalman. He made a number of Atlantic and Pacific crossings on merchant ships delivering fuel to Allies during WWII. Willard graduated from Temple University in 1949 and spent most of his career with The Hartford Insurance Group as Property and Casualty Underwriter and later as Senior Marketing Representative in the Philadelphia area. He retired to Lancaster in 1986 and worked part-time for Lancaster Limousine.
Willard served in various positions as Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, teacher and administrative assistant in churches in New Jersey and was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Lancaster. He was also a member of the Gideons International.
Surviving besides his wife, Wilma, are two stepdaughters, Linda Shope, wife of Gerald Shope, of Alexandria, PA, and Kathy Stephan, wife of Darryl Stephan, of Lititz, PA. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Ben and Morgan Stephan.
A memorial service will be held at Grace Baptist Church, 1899 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603, on Friday, October 31, 2014 at 2:00 PM. A visitation will be held on Friday at the church from 1:00 PM until the time of the service. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory may be made to Grace Baptist Church at the address shown above or to Hospice & Community Care, P.O. BOX 4125 Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
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