Clyo – Gay Roger Graham passed away on Saturday morning, April 15, 2023 at his home after an extended illness. He was 84 years old.

Gay was born in Oliver, GA on January 30, 1939 to Tillman & Louise Graham.

Gay served his country in the Navy during Vietnam, he loved to tell stories from his time stationed at Quonset Point Naval Base in Rhode Island. He always joked about joining the Navy to see the world and was stationed in Rhode Island his entire time in service.

Gay graduated from Brewton Parker College and became a bi-vocational Baptist Minister, where he served numerous churches over his 40 plus years of being a pastor. He met the love of his life on New Year's Eve 1974 when he was a guest speaker at her church. Just 3 months later they married and he also gained a 6 ½ year old daughter.

He spent 22 years in education with the Effingham County School System and retired at age 81.

He loved to hunt, fish and just being in the woods. He loved his wife and family, but above all else he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He was predeceased by his parents and his wife Tommie Graham.

He leaves behind his 3 children, Sheila Jerome (Robert), Zinna Wills (Michael), and Roger Graham, all of Clyo; seven grandchildren, Megan Jerome (Brian), Robert Jerome, IV (Kristian), Joseph Jerome (Alisha), Anna Jerome, Aaron Wills, Gavin Wills, and Rowan Wills; his brothers, Pete Graham and Eddie Graham (Brenda); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to his caregivers, Claudine Chambers and Billy Boy Goldwire.

Visitation: 6-8 Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in the funeral home.

Funeral: 11 am Thursday, April 20, 2023 at Mizpah Church

Burial: Mizpah Church Cemetery

Remembrances: Gideons International

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421.