Reverend Dr. Charles E. Graham

PLEASE NOTE:  In lieu of flowers, the family ask that all acts of kindness and donations be sent to Central Christian University - cashapp:  $Centraluniv OR donations may be sent to Greater Faith United Missionary Baptist Church - cashapp: $gfumbc01

Reverend Dr. Charles Elbert Graham was born July 22, 1944, in Loris, South Carolina.  He was the beloved son and the eldest of eight children born to the late Elbert and Isa Bell Graham.  He departed this earthly life for eternal life with the Lord on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina.

Reverend Graham was educated in the Public Schools of Horry County (Finklea High School), in Loris, South Carolina.

On April 2, 1995, he was joined in Holy Matrimony to the former Betty Smith.  They enjoyed over 31 years of marriage full of love and affection.

After leaving his hometown in Loris, Reverend Graham began his lifelong journey of service to God, mankind and his country.  He enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged after over twenty-eight years of service.  His passion and love for service led his travels to over fifty states and fourteen foreign countries.

FORMAL EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Bible and Theology, Faith Bible College and Seminary, Morganton, Kentucky.

Bachelor of Theology Degree and Master of Ministry Degree, Faith Theological Seminary.

Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling, Faith Baptist Theological Seminary, Anderson, South Carolina.

Doctor of Religious Humanities Degree, Dallas Theological Seminary, Texas.

Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor and Certified Temperament Instructor, National Christian Counselors Association (NCCA), Sarasota, Florida.

ANSWERING THE CALL

Licensure and Ordination: Reverend Graham was licensed to preach the Gospel Ministry in March 9, 1960,  Emanuel Baptist Church, High Point, North Carolina.  He was ordained November, 1960 by the Ocean View Baptist Association.

PASTORAL EXPERIENCE

Pastor, Union Baptist Missionary Baptist Church, Brooksville, South Carolina, two years

Pastor, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Oakland, California, three years.

Pastor, Diamond Branch Missionary Baptist Church, South Whiteville, North Carolina

Pastor, Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Mims, Florida, five years

Pastor, St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, Pine Island, South Carolina, four years

Pastor, First Baptist Church, Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, one year.

Pastor, New Laurel Missionary Baptist Church, Columbia, South Carolina, 1986 – 1993.

Under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, Dr. Graham established and organized the Greater Faith United Missionary Baptist Church, Columbia, South Carolina, in 1993, serving as Pastor for 32 years.

MINISTERIAL AFFILIATIONS AND SERVICE

Member, National Baptist Convention U.S.A., Inc.

Member, Baptist E&M Convention of South Carolina

Treasurer, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Columbia, South Carolina

Member, North Carolina General Baptist State Convention

Chairman, Morris College Development Committee, Sumter, South Carolina

Member of Trustee and Executive Board, West St. James Association, Mims, Florida.

President, Kingston Lake Baptist Ministerial Conference

New Jersey and Florida Marriage Counselors Association

New Jersey and Florida Marriage Counselors Association

Chaplain, Horry County Correctional Institution, two years

Chaplain Assistant, United States Army, 10 years.

Director of Family and Domestic Relations, Court System, Titusville, Florida, three years.

MILITARY AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

(Retired) Command Sergeant Major

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Bronze Star Medal

Army Commendation Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Vietnam Service Medal with Five Bronze Service Stars

Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters

Good Conduct Medal and Marksman Badge

COMMUNITY/LOCAL AFFILIATION

Mt. Sinai Grand Lodge, Columbia, SC

Exodus Lodge #1, Columbia, South Carolina

Disabled American Veterans Chapter #57

Military Order of the Purple Heart #402

Reverend Graham was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Carrie Bell Morris and one brother, Lorenzo Graham.

Reverend Graham leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving and devoted wife, Betty Graham; four loving and adoring children, Charles Kennard Graham of Atlanta, Georgia,  Kristy Lynn  (Nelson) Graves of Atlanta, Georgia, Fernando Cortez Graham of Seattle, Washington, and Darwin Marsalis (Tonia) Graham of  Salisbury, North Carolina; three devoted brothers, Nick (Kisa) Graham of Charlotte, North Carolina, Pervis (Bettie) Graham, of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jimmy Graham of Loris, South Carolina, and Reverend Thessalonia (Eddrena) Graham of Conway, South Carolina; one beloved sister, Brenda Sims of Charlotte, North Carolina; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving relatives, church family, and dear friends, of whom will dearly miss him, but rejoice that he is now sitting at the feet of Jesus, in the presence of the Lord.

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