Deacon Carl Wilbur McGraw, Sr.

We belong to God, not only for a few fleeting years that we call life but for eternity. God is on both sides of the river. He walks with us during our earthly life and is there to receive us for our eternal life. We are in God’s presence in life, death, and everlasting, yet we must cross the river to receive our crown of life. To my beautiful family members and friends, on May 29, 2023, I turned my back and left it all when I saw God waiting for me on the other side. Waiting to greet me were my parents; my wife, Valerie; brothers, James and Jesse; and so many other family members. I know my life appears to have been brief, but I’ve lived an exciting and full life. God afforded me many wonderful opportunities, so don’t question Him about sending His angels sooner than we all planned. May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding take away all the tears. I was raised in a Christian family that taught us to love unconditionally. This is the legacy I want to pass on to all of you. I was born on September 3, 1960, in Hampton County, South Carolina, to the late Jesse McGraw, Sr., and the late Clara Mae Cohen McGraw. My parents instilled in us the importance of serving God, valuing family, and getting an education.

I received an excellent education from Hampton District #2, which helped me secure many successful jobs. My faith in Christ began at a young age, and I later became a deacon at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church after getting married to my wife, Valerie Beckett, on May 28, 1982. She was the best thing that ever happened to me, along with the birth of our three sons. Unfortunately, my beloved wife passed away after 33 years of marriage, but her memory lives on with me.

Yes, I am going to miss my sons, but I demonstrated to each of them the true meaning of being a man. I will miss my amazing grandchildren because they were my world. When I was showering them with so much love, I didn’t realize that I wouldn’t get to witness many of their milestones in life. Just know that I am watching over you from above, so soar like the star that God has blessed each of you to be. I was always meek, humble, and quiet that’s why God blessed me with the gift to sing like an angel. Always remember my favorite song, “Walk Around Heaven,” because that’s what I am doing now. I was proud to become a member of the Teamster Union, where I had the opportunity to travel all around the country while working with the gas pipeline. Lastly, farewell to my Cowboy Nation family. Keep the faith!!

Today is not a goodbye; it is a see you later to those I leave behind to cherish my memories: my sons, Carl Jr. (Raven) of Orangeburg, SC, Calvin of Ridgeland, SC, and Vance (Bridgette) of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Jalen, Xavier, Skylar, Calvin Jr., Cali, and Ethan; sisters, Shenna Hayward (Harry) and Amanda Wilcoxson (Cedric Sr.), both of Atlanta, GA, and Carolyn Wrice of Bluffton, SC; father-in law, Deacon Bernard Beckett of Estill, SC; sisters-in law, Jacqueline Robinson (Herbert) of Estill, SC, Vanessa Swilley (Reverend Danny) of Columbia, SC, Naomi McGraw of Hampton, SC, and Tracey Ham (Bryant, Sr.) of Irmo, SC; brothers-in-law, Reverend Tyrone Beckett (Carthaleen) and Craig Beckett (Georgia), both of Estill, SC, and Deacon Stanley Beckett (Cynthia) of Pineland, SC; aunt-in-law, Carolyn Dixon (Deacon Warren) of Newark, NJ; special friend, Nekeecia Edwards; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friend

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