George Findley (Graham) Graham

George Findley Graham, 87, passed away on May 5, at Primrose Retirement Community in Zanesville. He was recently preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Martha Graham, exactly one month earlier  Born in Pittsfield, Mass., the family moved to New Concord in 1937, where he soon met his lifelong partner and future wife in 5th grade. They were married in 1949, and throughout their marriage they set an example of a loving couple with strong family values.

After graduating from New Concord High School in 1947, Mr. Graham served in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier Midway. After serving his country he began a career in retail and then joined his father-in-law’s insurance and real estate firm in New Concord, where he worked and grew the business for the next 30 years. He was a member and past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Ohio and was active in the New Concord Masonic Lodge, Lions Club and Board of Trade. He was instrumental in many New Concord initiatives, including serving on the board to build the Evergreen Village retirement community.

Mr. Graham enjoyed local athletics, avidly supporting John Glenn High School and Muskingum University teams. When a shoulder injury forced him to give up golf in the 1970s, he found a new passion in flying. He earned his pilot’s license and eventually his instrument rating, allowing him and his family to travel to many locations in his Cessna 177.

Always a storyteller, George never met a stranger, regularly visiting other tables in restaurants to satisfy his boundless curiosity about people and their own stories.  In retirement, George and Martha traveled extensively in their Airstream trailer, visiting 49 states. They created great friendships while spending their winter months in Texas' Rio Grande Valley and summer vacations in Sarasota, Florida. In his later years, they lived in Zanesville.

Also preceding him in death were is parents, Harry Herman Graham and Bryson Findley Graham and brother Courtney Graham. He leaves behind a brother, Harry; daughter Anne Graham Fretes (Carlos); and son David Graham (Keri). Also surviving are four granddaughters Beth, Haley, Carly and Mimi, whom he lovingly referred to as #1, #2, #3 and #4, in addition to many nieces and nephews.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Faith In Practice medical missions (faithinpractice.org). In a final act of generosity, Mr. Graham has donated his body to the medical school at Ohio University.  The family is in the care of Farus Funeral Home of New Concord.

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