Bishop McNair Graham

Jacksonville - Bishop McNair James Graham transitioned this life peacefully on December 21, 2022 at Premier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center under the care of Hospice, Jacksonville N.C. at the age of 79.

Celebration of Life services will be held 1pm Friday, December 30, 2022 at Leach Springs Missionary Baptist Church, located in Raeford, North Carolina.  Burial will follow immediately after the service at Highland Biblical Gardens.  A visitation and public viewing will be held 5pm to 7pm Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Abundant Life International Baptist Cathedral, located at 1518 Gum Branch Road, Jacksonville, NC. 

McNair James Graham was born June 17, 1943, in Hoke County N.C to Matthew James Graham, and Tansee Gola McNair. He attended Upchurch High School, in Raeford N.C. He served in the United States Army, with the 197th INF. BDE, Company B, of the 39th INF. After he was honorably discharged from the army he worked and retired from the New York Postal System.

McNair Graham was a member of the St. Matthews Glorious United Church of God under the leadership of his father the late Bishop Matthew James Graham. He was a pillar to the ministry exercising many of his talents and gifts. Singing and music was his love. McNair loved quartet gospel groups. His favorite being “The Gospel Keynotes” In 1975 he met and married his wife Shirley Roberts-Graham. To this union was born 2 sons Jason Matthew Graham and Brian Timothy Graham.

Together they branched out and began to establish ministries. In 1989 McNair Graham was the 1st to be given permission to have the Prospect Block Classon Association and was given the key to the City of New York, by the Honorable Mayor Edward Irving Koch. Through that association vacant lots were transformed into beautiful, bountiful, nourishing community gardens. On Saturday mornings McNair Graham fed the hungry by the multitude using his own resources. In 1990 he established baseball teams for broken teens and children from all nationalities in the community as well as fostering a great host of adolescence.

In 1999 McNair Graham moved to Jacksonville N.C. with his wife Shirley Graham who he lovelying called his “STAR”. Together they established and worked in ministry for 50 years. In 2003 McNair Graham was ordained to the office of the Bishopric by his late father The Late Bishop Matthew James Graham. 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a Bishop, he desireth a good work, and indeed our Bishop McNair Graham performed well. He served as the Chairperson of the board of directors for the Glorious Organization.

Bishop Graham worked in the Onslow County school system for a short time but his love was the arts of mechanics. Bishop Graham attended the Apex School of

Theology where he majored in Biblical Studies and also attended Justice Fellowship Bible Institute.

He worked in the ministry dealing with the youth and troubled men in Onslow County. He visited the children's schools and showed up to court with the men. Bishop did extensive ministry with the men by helping them establish their own businesses and become leaders of their families.

He was preceded in transition by both of his parents Bishop Matthew J. Graham(father) Tansee Gola Graham(mother), One brother John Issaac Graham, and Eldest son Jason Matthew Graham.

Bishop McNair Graham is survived by his “Star” Shirley R. Graham, of Jacksonville N.C. his youngest son Brian Timothy Graham, his spiritual daughter Rashaunda Dickens and spiritual grandson Jahleal Green. 3 grandchildren Naeem Graham, Jayden Graham, and Sadie Graham, and a host of spiritual sons and daughters. He is also survived by 4 Brothers, Charles Donaldson Graham (Raina deceased) Brooklyn NY, Elle Elderman Graham (Juanita)Raeford N.C, Lloyd Graham, Brooklyn NY, Rodney Lane Graham, Staten Island NY. Three sisters Lesia Turell Graham, Brooklyn NY, Marion Joyce Graham, Brooklyn NY, Anita Bryd-Blackwell (Kevin) Benson AZ, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services are entrusted to Akridge Family Funeral Care of Jacksonville. 

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