Edward Archer Graham

96, of Powhatan, died May 26, 2018. Preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Betty Gay Winfree Graham; his parents, James Milton and Frances Emanuel Graham. He is survived by one brother, Frances D. Graham of Powhatan; two daughters, Shirley Gay Boelt and Jean Elizabeth Lloyd, both of Powhatan; five grandchildren, Serena Cofer Talley (Tray), William M. Boelt, Jr., Graham Lloyd (Maria), Sean Lloyd, Barrett Lloyd (Miranda); six great-grandchildren, Joshua Boelt, Stone Talley, Ryder Talley, Mason Lloyd, Isabella Lloyd, Maybrie Lloyd; and devoted friend, Butch Hott of Powhatan.

Archer was one of nine children born in Manning, South Carolina; his family moved to Virginia in the early 1930’s. He graduated from Powhatan High School in 1941 and married his high school sweetheart in 1942. He retired in 1982 after working 28 years with Reynolds Metal Company. His 36 years of retirement were focused on family, close friends, maintaining an immaculate yard and tending to his beautiful vegetable/flower gardens. He loved the outdoors which included trips to the beach, hunting and fishing. He was known for his cooking for family/friends and had many gatherings in his backyard offering an array of home-cooked foods including his famous fried fish, cornbread, and coconut pies. Archer was always a hard-working man throughout his life who pursued his tasks/interests with a passion. He was a fighter when there was a cause but had a soft heart for the lonely, needy or hungry – often feeding those who walked the highways. He quietly helped many people and his church in many ways over the years of his life; he loved his Lord and was a lifetime member of Old Powhatan Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home, 3215 Anderson Highway (Rt. 60), Powhatan. Service will be held Wednesday, May 30, at 11:30 a.m. at May Memorial Baptist Church in Powhatan Courthouse. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.