Alton Gregory Graham passed away quietly on April 22, 2015. He was born in Fairhope, Ala. and grew up in Summerdale.
As a young boy, Al dreamed of flying the F-8 Crusader jet. He made that dream come true as a U.S.M.C. fighter pilot. He served in Vietnam as well as other bases worldwide. As a former fellow fighter squadron pilot recently said, “Al made that plane do things it was not supposed to be capable of.” Al was a career airline pilot, having flown for National Airlines, Pan American Airways and Delta Airlines.
He is survived by his wife, Diana (Armstrong); and his son. Al is most proud of that amazing son, Maj. Christopher Armstrong Graham, U.S.M.C. and his beautiful family; wife, Tricia (Smith); and his “little man,” Conor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorene (Morgan) and Alton Dewey Graham; as well as his brother, Norman.
Al is survived by his brothers, Nathan and A.D. Graham; his sisters-in-law, Barbara (Brown) and Kathy; his brothers-in-law, Bill and Thomas Armstrong (Karen); as well as his beloved “second mother,” Aunt Euvada (Morgan) and Uncle Dick Steffler; along with his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Al will no doubt be remembered as a gentle, kind man who loved aviation and could fly anything. He will be dearly missed by his many friends in and outside of aviation, as well as his neighbors who could always count on him for a favor, a smile or his wry wit.
God’s grace was evident in all aspects of Al’s life. He worked to achieve and live his dreams. And, while we did not get the miracle we were all hoping for, there can be no denying the many miracles of grace, goodness and kindness surrounding him in his last days. He lived a beautiful life. He was a beautiful man.
Many, many thanks to the staff of South Baldwin Hospital and Hospice.
Final arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements made by Pine Rest Funeral Home Inc.
