House Resolution 120

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. CHARLES EDWARD GRAHAM.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on March 14, 2019, the grand architect of the universe summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. Charles Edward Graham, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, friends and community; and

WHEREAS, Hinds County and the entire citizenry of the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend and community leader with the passing of Mr. Graham, who became the tenth of eleven children born to the late Robert Graham, Sr., and the late Willie May Graham on May 25, 1955, in Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, a member of the Lanier High School Class of 1973, Mr. Graham graduated from Jackson State University with his bachelor of science degree in accounting, and after graduation, he joined the Jackson Fire Department as a private; and

WHEREAS, after displaying extraordinary dedication to promoting and upholding the principles of public safety, Mr. Graham was promoted to Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief in charge of training, Fire Department Public Information Officer, and finally Deputy Chief, and throughout his career, he faced dangerous situations each day that demanded he put his life on the line, but each time the call came, he fearlessly and bravely rushed into perilous predicaments and responded to a variety of emergency events and catastrophes; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his exceptional character and phenomenal leadership, Mr. Graham, who graduated from the National Fire Academy and was an expert in HAZMAT, received numerous awards, certifications and trainings, and after his retirement, he became co-owner of Wings 911 Restaurant in South Jackson and managing partner in AA&E Properties, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Graham's love, chivalry and affection pierced the heart of the former Miss Alline Washington, his high school sweetheart, and the duo became bone of one another's bone and flesh of one another's flesh after exchanging the nuptials of holy matrimony in 1978, building a lifetime of memories together with the addition of three children, Eric, Akami and Ariel; and

WHEREAS, in 1984, Mr. Graham, a faithful believer in God, joined Christ the King Catholic Church and served and worshipped the Lord in many capacities, including as a member of Knights of Peter Claver, as a volunteer for Catholic Charities, the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and Mentor for Junior Achievement, as a choir member, and as a part of Kings Workers and other committees, and he also assisted the church with many different maintenance and beautification tasks such as planting shrubbery, cutting grass, installing glass bulletin boards and painting; and

WHEREAS, one who never met a stranger, Mr. Graham was the unifying tie that bound his family together, as he sought to always be present in their times of need, whether cracking a joke to ease tension or singing his own versions of nursery rhymes to his youngest grandchildren, Anastasia and Ethan; and

WHEREAS, a loving and devoted husband to his late wife, Alline, who passed away on February 27, 2017, and a doting father to his children, Mr. Graham enjoyed whipping up delicious meals for his family and friends, travelling the world, both near and far, and occasionally trying his luck at the local casinos, and his infectious laugh, sense of humor, remarkable wisdom and unconditional love will be dearly missed by all those who had the opportunity to know him and experience his greatness; and

WHEREAS, the legacy of Mr. Charles Edward Graham left an indelible impression in the hearts and minds of his many friends and family, who are left to cherish his memory, including: his children, Eric (Shawn-Marie) Graham, Akami Graham and Ariel (Ryan) Chong; four grandchildren, DeAndra Graham, Erik Graham, Anastasia Chong and Ethan Chong; siblings, Robbie Hill (George), Annie Mae Kellum (Jim), Hubbard Graham (Sandra), Betty Graham, Albertha McDavid (Dave), Lillian Morris (James-deceased), Robert Graham, Jr. (Shirley) and Authurine Graham-McNeil (Glenn); and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member and be renewed in their faith that Mr. Graham fulfilled the purpose of his appointed time in adherence to the commandment of II Timothy 4:7, by having "fought a good fight, finishing his course and keeping the faith until the hour of his departure was at hand"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life and legacy of such a genuine and selfless individual as Mr. Charles Edward Graham, whose life light illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along this earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Mr.

Charles Edward Graham and express sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Charles Edward Graham and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.