Raymond Pete Graham

Raymond Dale "Pete" Graham, 88, formerly of 1174 East Main Street, Bradford, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2020, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. 

Born on November 5, 1931 in Butler, he was a son of the late Victor Vade and Frances (Brandon) Graham.

He was a graduate of Butler Senior High School, attended Mount Union College for his undergraduate degree and Boston University School of Theology for his Master's degree.

On December 30, 1953 in Butler, he married Lynnette (Wilson) Graham, who survives.

Pete pastored in the United Methodist Church Western Conference in Wurtemburg, Dravosburg, Connellsville, New Castle, Clarks Mills, Smethport, Johnsonburg where he retired. He continued to serve as Associate Pastor in Bradford at the First United Methodist Church.

Pete was a member of Wesley Woods United Methodist Church Camp where he served as Dean of Horse Camp. He was a member of the Bradford Township Lions Club. He served as a leader in Boy Scouts and was awarded a 25 year pin.

He enjoyed needlepoint work and was an avid reader.

Surviving in addition to his wife Lynnette, of 66 years, are two children, Elise Megehee, of Bloomfield, NJ, and, Dr. Nathaniel (Cindy) Graham, of Bradford, one sister in law, Elaine Harbison, of Bradford, four grandchildren, Brandon Graham, Erin Graham Burd, Laura Megehee, and Victoria Megehee, four great grandchildren, Theodore Graham, Charlotte Graham, Zachary Burd, and Alexandra Burd, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Richard Graham.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, September 7, 2020, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm in the Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, at 2:00 pm funeral service will be held with Rev. Jay Tennies, pastor, and Rev. Seth McClymonds, pastor of the First United Methodist Church co-officiating. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials if desired, may be made to the Wesley Woods Camp, PO Box 155A RR 1, Grand Valley Pa 16420.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.

On-line condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

Pastor Pete was looking for a secretary at the church he was pastoring, Clarks Mills UM Church, and where I was attending. It was a new position, and I was hired. I was very nervous and young, and both Pete and Lynn helped me to grow as a secretary, a person, and of course, a Christian. They were the kindest and most hospitable and "down-to-earth" people I ever knew. When they moved on to serve at other churches, my husband and I visited them several times and when they moved to Bradford, I went to stay with them several times. When I got the news, I felt like I had lost a part of my life and my heart sighed. But I know Heaven welcomed him into God''s Holy Hands, and he will be eagerly awaiting your arrival, Lynn, when that day comes. Lynn, I love you SO much and am praying for you to know peace. I will always be here if you need me. I won''t say "good-bye" Pete, ''cause I hope to see you one day. Lynn, God bless you and keep you. Love you in Jesus'' Name, Carla-Amen, Amen.
— carla reichard

Thomas McGregor (Terry Womer)
— Thomas McGregor

Our sincere sympathies to your family. Son Nathan was very kind and helpful for my father and mother although I did not personally know Pastor, his reflection is surely evident in his children. God bless him and the family.
— Daniel Megivern MD

So sorry to hear of his passing, he had a longstanding reputation in the Smethport community as a kind and gentle man with an inviting spirit. May he rest in peace. Well done Pastor Graham.
— Pam Burlingame

We knew Pete when he worked in Smethport , as well as a Pastor in Bradford. We love Nate and Cindy and are grieving with you. I know it has been a rough few years,but "no more tears and no more pain" He was an amazing man of God and served His creator well. Dale and Sue Garges
— Sue Garges

To Pete’s family, I’m sorry to read this. I have very many wonderful memories of both Pete and Lynn. He was a wonderful Pastor and they were both great friends.
— Laura Geiser

I knew Pete for a few years after his retirement mostly. A kinder more gentle soul you could never find. He will be a real blessing in Heaven. RIP friend
— H David Garris

I will not forget Pete''s big smile and "hello" whenever I saw him. He was a dear man. We go back several years, and I will miss him. My condolences and prayers for dear Lynn and family.
— Suzanne Dittman

Dear Graham Family, what a sad day to hear of Pete’s passing. For him, a day of Glory! He was a dear friend for years. Hours of driving over the mountain (Rain, shine, snow storm) to Wesley Woods Board meetings spent talking everything from family, to spiritual faith to literature. Hours well spent with a friend. God bless you all. Sending love to Lynn! The Bunnells
— David and Ellen Bunnell

Dr Graham and family we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers for all of you.
— Leposa Family

Condolences

  • Pastor Pete was looking for a secretary at the church he was pastoring, Clarks Mills UM Church, and where I was attending. It was a new position, and I was hired. I was very nervous and young, and both Pete and Lynn helped me to grow as a secretary, a person, and of course, a Christian. They were the kindest and most hospitable and "down-to-earth" people I ever knew. When they moved on to serve at other churches, my husband and I visited them several times and when they moved to Bradford, I went to stay with them several times. When I got the news, I felt like I had lost a part of my life and my heart sighed. But I know Heaven welcomed him into God''s Holy Hands, and he will be eagerly awaiting your arrival, Lynn, when that day comes. Lynn, I love you SO much and am praying for you to know peace. I will always be here if you need me. I won''t say "good-bye" Pete, ''cause I hope to see you one day. Lynn, God bless you and keep you. Love you in Jesus'' Name, Carla-Amen, Amen.

    — carla reichard
  • Thomas McGregor (Terry Womer)

    — Thomas McGregor
  • Our sincere sympathies to your family. Son Nathan was very kind and helpful for my father and mother although I did not personally know Pastor, his reflection is surely evident in his children. God bless him and the family.

    — Daniel Megivern MD
  • So sorry to hear of his passing, he had a longstanding reputation in the Smethport community as a kind and gentle man with an inviting spirit. May he rest in peace. Well done Pastor Graham.

    — Pam Burlingame
  • We knew Pete when he worked in Smethport , as well as a Pastor in Bradford. We love Nate and Cindy and are grieving with you. I know it has been a rough few years,but "no more tears and no more pain" He was an amazing man of God and served His creator well. Dale and Sue Garges

    — Sue Garges