Graham, Jr., Layman Lee

Layman Lee Graham, Jr. of Hartsville, SC, went to his Heavenly Home on July 8, 2026, at McLeod RMC, surrounded by his loving family. Lee was born in Max Creek, VA to Layman Lee Graham, Sr. and Frieda Quesenberry Graham.

After graduation from Dublin High School in 1960, Lee went on to a career in the textile industry at Burlington Industries and Galey & Lord as a Department Head in the printing department. Lee started working at the age of 10 with his own paper route and finished up at Walmart in Hartsville just a few years ago.

In 1964, Lee married the love of his life, Rebecca Marie Southern of Hiwassee, Virginia. Together they built a life centered on faith and family and were blessed with three children: Jill, Cindy, and Garrett.

Lee was deeply devoted to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and faithfully served Him through Emmanuel Baptist Church and School for many years. He served as a deacon for most of his adult life and was an active member of the school committee during and after his children attended Emmanuel Christian School. He also served on the church building committee, working alongside contractors and builders to help construct the beautiful church that now welcomes worshippers to its campus.

No matter the need, Lee was always willing to serve. Whether helping with church activities, working on campus projects, singing in the choir, providing transportation for church members, visiting those in hospitals and nursing homes, or quietly stepping in wherever help was needed, he gave generously of his time and talents. He was steadfast in his faith, loyal to his church family, and cherished every opportunity to worship and serve alongside his friends at Emmanuel.

Lee wholeheartedly supported his children in every pursuit, traveling countless miles to attend their sporting events and music performances. He was their biggest—and often loudest—cheerleader and fan. Later, his five grandchildren became one of his greatest joys. There was no limit to the effort he would make to spend time with them, creating memories filled with fun, laughter, and adventure that they will treasure for years to come.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Lee was rarely happier than when cheering on Virginia Tech football, whether from the stands or in front of the television. Basketball was his greatest passion, though he excelled at nearly every sport he tried. He played basketball with friends for many years in the Emmanuel Christian School gym and was a proud member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church softball team. His favorite professional team was the Boston Celtics, and if he wasn’t wearing Virginia Tech colors on game day, he was proudly sporting Celtics apparel. He also enjoyed many years on the golf course with his dear friend, Derrell.

Lee loved to travel and especially enjoyed planning family road trips across the United States, carefully mapping routes that allowed them to experience the unique attractions, history, and beauty of every state along the way. Many of these adventures included not only his children but also extended family members. Together, Lee and Rebecca fulfilled their dream of visiting all 50 states. After reaching that milestone, they turned their attention to the world, traveling internationally to thirteen countries to experience different cultures, breathtaking sights, local cuisine, and the richness of meeting people from around the globe.

Lee was predeceased by his siblings Beth G. Edwards and Thomas Graham. He is survived by his spouse, Rebecca S. Graham; his children, Jill G. Jolly (Wes); Cynthia Leigh Graham, and Garrett Lee Graham; five grandchildren, Kaiti J. Majewski (Joseph), Dylan Jolly, David Jolly, Bridgette S. Kyle (Liam) and Courtney S. Johnson (Allen); and five great grandchildren, Callan Kyle, Sloane Kyle, Harper Majewski, Harrison Majewski, and Layla Johnson. He is also survived by two siblings, Susan G. Adcock (Jerry) and Richard Graham (Karen).

A Celebration of his Life will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:00am at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Rev. Jonathan Bradshaw and Mr. Greg Johnson will officiate. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 14, from 5:00 -7:00pm at Norton Funeral Home. Burial will be on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00am at Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin, VA, directed by Norton Funeral Home.

“A Life So Beautifully Lived, Should Be Beautifull Remembered”.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emmauel Christian School, 1001 North Marquis Highway, Hartsville, S.C. 29550.

Announced locally by Bower Funeral Home & Crematory, Pulaski for the family.