Mr. Oliver J. Graham ‘Bro. OJ’, 82

Mr. Oliver J. Graham “Bro. OJ”, 82, of Blackshear passed away Oct. 23 at his home.
He was born in Hazlehurst to the late John Wesley and Frances Hudson Graham. Brother OJ served the Lord many years as an interim pastor and music minister at churches in Jacksonville, Fla., and South Georgia. He began his fulltime pastoring at First Baptist Church Blackshear. He also served at Rose Hill Baptist, Columbus, Beulah Baptist, Blackshear, Pineview Baptist in Waycross, and currently a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear. His goal as he served these churches was to love the people and teach the Word. He always had a magnetic, positive personality and a wonderful musical talent playing the trombone and singing. Brother OJ made people laugh with his quick wit and humorous jokes and stories. He loved his family intensely and was a great example of being a husband, father, and Papa.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Eschol Graham; three sisters, Luvicy Clements, Myrtice Hancock, and Yvonne Jones.
Survivors include his wife, Diane Johns Graham of Blackshear; sons, John Graham and his wife Christine of Ocilla, Paul Graham and his wife Michelle of Blackshear; grandchildren, Lauren Graham, Meagan Graham, Lillie Ownby, John Austin Graham, Gwen Gentry, and Nate Gentry; a devoted sister Johnnie Graham of Hazlehurst, sister Oveda Runnells of California; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Linda Webber of Welaka, Fla.; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A funeral service was held Oct. 26 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear.
A private burial followed in Oakland Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed online at www.milesodumfuneralhome.com.
Miles-Odum Funeral Home was in charge.