John Gary Graham, Sr., age 77, of Alma passed away March 22, 2024 at his residence after an extended illness. He was born May 23, 1946 in Dodge County to the late John W. Graham and Bernice Poole Graham.

Mr. Gary was proud graduate of Bacon County High School class of 1964. He lovedplaying football for Bacon County and held the school record for most touchdown passes in a season for over 50 years. He was inducted into the Bacon County Wall of Fame in 2023. Over the years, he continued to support the Red Raiders and was an active community member.

Mr. Gary served in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam Era where he received a Bronze Star Metal.

Mr. Gary continued in the family business of newspaper publishing; he briefly published The Alma Times before he started The News Courier and Today Magazine. He proudly served on the Bacon County Hospital Board for many years. He truly loved being a citizen of Alma, Georgia.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Alvin Graham, and Don Graham. Survivors include two sons, John Gary Graham, Jr. (Ashley) of Alma and Jaren Reeve Graham (Emily) of Patterson; four grandchildren, Jace Graham, Jaren Reeve Graham, Jr., Jaylen Olivia Graham, and John Gary "Tripp" Graham, III. Also survived by special friends: Jimmy "Sunshine" Brigman, Natasha "Nat" Ferguson, and Misty Johnson.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM from the First Baptist Church of Alma with Pastor Richard Johnson, Jimmy Graham and Jordan Watkins officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Lawn Cemetery with Military Honors. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Monday evening from 6 to 8 PM.

Active pallbearers will be Dorsey Wade, Jay Graham, Jimmy Graham, Buddy Watkins, Jace Graham and Jaren Reeve Graham, Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Bruner, Monte Bruner, Jimmy "Sunshine" Brigman, Zach Johnson, Mark Cohen, Kevin Brooks, Teddy Solomon, Foster Rowland,Teresa Varnedore,Teddy & Karen Boatright, Janelle Varnadoe, Carolyn Towns, Rebecca  Palmer, Johnny Wheeler, John Bennett, Crista Kirksey, Natasha "Nat" Ferguson, Jeff Cutrer, Julie Barber, Gail Fiveash, Wendell & Lizann Hart, Scott Taylor, Larry Waters, Misty Johnson, Dr. Clay Carter, Harry Carter, James Miles,Ricky "Hip" Boatright,  Samantha Reynolds, Jerry & Lonann Sweat, Stacy Carter, John & Lisa Hughes.

Crosby Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.