Philip Graham

Philip Ronald Graham passed away on March 1, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was surrounded by the love of his life, Brenda Lewis Graham, his cherished daughter Ashley Elizabeth Graham Johnson, and his much-loved son-in-law Don Johnson. After reminding his family of his great love for them, he was welcomed into the fullness of Glory.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 4, 2022 from 4 to 7 p.m. at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, Masonic Rites will follow.
Mr. Graham will be laid to rest at Lois Cemetery in Lois, TN at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2022.

The son of Marjorie Sadler and William C. Graham, Philip was born in Clarksville, Tennessee on July 4, 1950. He was fiercely loved by his siblings: William Graham, Carroll Yoder, and Suzanne McLeod. As their lives and families expanded, he would claim Mary Lou Graham, Chris Yoder, and Bill McLeod as his own, too. Nieces and nephews added laughter and love to every moment of his life. He married his best girl, Brenda Lewis, on November 24, 1978.

Clarksville was his home for all his 71 years. He played in the band at Clarksville High School, was the resident plumber and general fixer for people and homes through Graham and Sons Plumbing, and was a member of Clarksville Lodge No. 89. He spent 17 years at Austin Peay State University working in the maintenance department and collected a lifetime of wonderful friends from among professors, students, athletes, and the community. Philip moved to Marriott International as a Director of Engineering in 1997. He loved his colleagues-turned-friends and joyfully worked each day to make travelers feel welcome.

His world was his family and, together with Brenda, he spent countless years at dance recitals, football games, scout meetings, and outings. Nothing was ordinary or common when he was gathered in with the people he cherished. After their retirement, his days were made full as he joyfully supported Brenda as she served in various roles. He was a proud member of the Montgomery County Republican Party and an Associate Member of the Montgomery County Republican Women. He was honored to serve as a poll watcher in local elections and encouraged friends and strangers alike to be active participants in the town he loved.

A graduate and supporter of APSU, he was also a proud Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raider. He served as a member of the MTSU Parent Board and was a vocal supporter of football and basketball programs. Philip advocated for the arts. He was a friend of the Roxy Regional Theater and lent his talents to a national gathering of the arts for many years. In perhaps his greatest service to the world around him, Philip deeply championed Cumberland Heights and the recovery community as he worked daily to help others follow the better way. He, along with his family, looked forward to May 17 - what he affectionately called his other birthday. He joyfully celebrated 43 years of sobriety.

Philip was a member of First Baptist Church. He came to know the God of his understanding and sought Him in various houses of worship, untold bookstores, scientific studies, and the gathering of friends. He lived his faith in quiet acts of service, tending the earth, and loving all people and creatures who crossed his path. He was often found around tables with those who loved and those he had not yet, but would, bring into his fold. He loved to cook, grill, bake bread, and provide for anyone who was hungry. His strong faith was a gift to his family each day.

He is survived by his wife, his daughter, and his son-in-law. He was, the joke goes, the favorite child of mother-in-law Shirley Lewis. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother-in-law, and nephew. He was fiercely loved by his family, his neighbors, and his friends. He will be attended in his death by Don Johnson, Hayden Yoder, Glyn Miller, Ricky Knight, Rodney Lewis, Logan McLeod, Cameron McLeod, and Christian Yoder. Should you wish to make a donation in his name, his family would encourage you to consider honoring him at Cumberland Heights or Loaves and Fishes. His memory will continue to bring light, hope, and love to the world much in need of more people like Philip Graham.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Philip Ronald Graham, please visit our Tree Store.