Carl Lincoln Graham

Carl Lincoln Graham was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 29, 1956 as the second child of Betty Graham. He received his education through the Chicago Public Schools, attending Dixon Elementary and Lindblom Technical High School, graduating high school in the class of 1975. There he met friends for life, Era and Weltha. He was affectionately called by his full name “Carl Graham” by a host of friends and colleagues. He dedicated his life to Jehovah God as a teenager and was symbolized his dedication through water baptism on January 20, 1974, becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He willingly supported the congregation in various assignments. In subsequent years Carl met and later married Dawn Emerald Hewitt on March 22, 1980. On May 25, 1984, their first child Alison Elizabeth was born. Four years later their family would be complete when Tyler Nathaniel was born on December 28, 1988. Carl’s dedication to Dawn and their children was ever evident. To ensure he could spend time with his children, Carl switched to the night shift until his retirement. Carl loyally worked for the phone company for over 30 years. Because of his nurturing spirit for his employees, Carl was highly regarded. He fed his employees well, valuing them all. His thirst for knowledge drove him to learn several jobs in increasing in responsibility and leadership positions. In later years he was promoted to Management, serving as Night Manager with AT&T until his retirement. Even after his retirement, Carl remained busy learning new things, pursuing new interests, and providing for his family. He sold products on eBay and Amazon, wrote eBooks, worked in food delivery, was a project coordinator, worked as a security guard, was certified as a Notary Signing Agent, and did Field Inspection work. Carl had many passions. Vacations were a fun and familiar tradition for Carl and his family. Carl enjoyed music, especially the “oldies”. He had a sharp mind and was knowledgeable on various topics including, but not limited to, history, music, movies, books, and technology. Carl was a connoisseur of diverse types of foods from various Chicagoland restaurants. Additionally, his love of cooking filled many bellies. Grilling was one of his specialties and he often enjoyed good fellowship with friends and family over food. He was often seen reading and had a penchant for recalling numerous details, facts, and figures. He was known for having a detailed recollection of Bible trivia. To many, Carl was considered a walking “Google”. Of his favorite activities, spending time with the apples of his eyes, his grandchildren, tops the list. As he had done with his own children, Carl loved taking his grandchildren to the park, chasing and playing no matter how he may have been feeling. He never complained and took every opportunity to love his family, not taking them for granted. Carl’s life was a testimony of his dedication to his faith & family. He overcame many obstacles to support and provide for his family. Carl was a generous and patient man, with a calm and humble spirit. He often put the interests and welfare of others ahead of his own. He loved people, always trying to make others’ lives better in any way possible. Carl was affectionately loved and preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth Graham. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Dawn Graham, his mother Betty Graham, his niece Diane Graham, his brother-in-law John Hewitt (and John’s family), his daughter Alison Cunningham (Frazier), his son Tyler, his adorable three grandchildren: Anastasia Lilly Elizabeth Cunningham, Abigail Mae Cunningham, and Frazier Chris Joseph “CJ” Cunningham, and a host of cherished friends and colleagues. Our dear Carl Graham will be sorely missed.

Tributes

Carl Lincoln Graham

October 29, 1956 - May 1, 2017