Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Graham, George Philip 2014
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Marilyn Ransom mransom311@gmail.com June 18, 2015, 2:51 pm

The Ionia Sentinel-Standard, February 26, 2014


George Philip Graham passed away Monday, Feb. 17, in Port Charlotte, Fla., with 
his son Stephen, sister Jan Morrison and husband Earl, and wonderful friends 
and neighbors, Paul and Yvonne Hazlett, by his side.  He resided in Punta 
Gorda, Fla., and Jackson, Mich. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, Harold (Doc) and Virginia (Mason) 
Graham; his beloved wife Ann (Arthur); and younger brother Charles. 

George was born in Ionia on Dec. 28, 1938, and was baptized at the First 
Presbyterian Church in 1939.  He attended Jefferson Elementary and Ionia Junior 
High and High Schools, graduating in 1957. 

He played end position on the Ionia Bulldogs football team which was undefeated 
during his final year.  He also played baseball and basketball and was a member 
of the athletic club.  His grandparents, Orin and Mabel Mason, along with their 
son Charles, owned and operated Mason's Cleaners in downtown Ionia, and many 
happy times were spent there with his sister Janice when they were very young.  
They would drag a huge magnet along the floor to attract the stray pins, after 
which grandpa would open up the till and give them each a quarter.  A quarter 
was big money!  They could get a double-dip cone at Perrone's, with 15 cents 
left over for one of their famous 15-cent hot fudge sundaes later on!

Following graduation from high school, he moved to Jackson where he was 
employed by the Jackson State Prison, and attended Jackson Community College.  
He faithfully served his country through the Michigan National Guard for many 
years.

George was greatly concerned for the homeless, frequently purchasing clothing, 
blankets, and other needed items.  He also had a big heart for children of 
lesser means and instigated toy drives in his retirement community and the 
response was overwhelming.  Just speaking about it brought tears to his eyes, 
knowing that the children were happy and joyful.

George leaves behind his son Stephen of Jackson; grandson Jason of Essexville; 
sisters Jan Morrison (Earl) of Ypsilanti and Phyllis Mahlich of Greenville; 
brothers Clifford (Natalie), and Daryl of Ionia; brother-in-law Bob Arthur 
(Beth) of Carbondale, Ill., and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.  
While in the hospital, he was visited by his cousin, Gary Graham and wife 
Carolyn (Croel).

According to his wishes he has been cremated and his ashes spread into the Port 
Charlotte Bay. He requested no funeral or memorial service.  Anyone wishing to 
contribute in his name may do so to the homeless shelter in their community, 
Toys for Tots, or the Ionia High School Athletic Association, 250 E. Tuttle 
Road, Ionia, MI 48846.


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