Rev. Randy Graham, age 59, of Peachtree City passed away peacefully at home after a short battle with cancer on November 21, 2015.
At the time of his death, Randy was a chaplain with Cancer Treatment Centers of America and the pastor of Carmel United Methodist Church in Alvaton, Ga. Prior to entering the ministry, Randy worked in manufacturing management for more than 25 years. Having earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at The Ohio State University in 1978, he held numerous top positions, including Vice President of Operations with a large manufacturer of plastics and polymers in Fairburn, Ga.
After leaving the manufacturing field, Randy decided to redirect his career into ministry which became his passion. He spent a year as a volunteer Chaplain Assistant at Piedmont Fayette Community Hospital Auxiliary and also served as a Stephen Minister. In 2008 he entered Gammon Theological Seminary, a constituent seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center, in Atlanta, Ga. He completed his Master of Divinity Degree in 2011 with training that included a Chaplain internship and residency at the Atlanta VA Medical Center.
In 2009, while in seminary, Randy was appointed as Pastor in Charge at Carmel United Methodist Church. He joined Cancer Treatment Centers of America in 2012 as a chaplain. He found true joy serving the church and the patients and staff at CTCA.
Besides his passion for the ministry, Randy enjoyed running. He began running at the age of 47 and was proud that he completed three marathons in his running career – the Chicago Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and the Marine Corps Marathon. He was a proud graduate of The Ohio State University and an avid Ohio State football fan.
He married Debra Jarrell on May 24, 1980 in Shelby, Ohio. Foremost in his life was his wife and children, which showed in his actions as a wonderful husband and father.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years Debra Graham of Peachtree City, Ga.; one son Bradley (Christi) Graham of Newnan, Ga.; one daughter Bethany Graham of Chesapeake, Va.; three brothers Richard (Elaine) Graham, of Monroeville, Ohio, Michael Graham of Shelby, Ohio, and Robert Graham of Shelby, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Carol Graham, of Shelby, Ohio.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Parrott Funeral Home, 8355 Senoia Rd., Fairburn, Ga. A celebration of Randy’s life will be the following day December 5 at 11 a.m. at Peachtree City United Methodist Church, 225 Robinson Rd., Peachtree City, Ga. with Rev. Chip Gordon and Rev. Sean Robinson officiating.
Private inurnment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Southeastern Assistance in Health Care, C/O Cancer Treatment Centers of America, 600 Celebrate Life Parkway, Newnan, Ga. 30265.
A special thanks to the staff of Gentiva Hospice – Newnan for their loving care.
Parrott Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements – 770-964-4800.
