It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Willie Norman Graham.

Pastor Willie Norman Graham (known to many as “Billy”) transitioned from his earthly to his heavenly home on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. He was born on May 9, 1945, in Lake Park, Florida, to the late Leroy and Inez Graham. As a youngster, Billy was a member of Hurst Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, and as a young adult, he transferred his membership to Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church, both in West Palm Beach, Florida. An ordained minister, Rev. Billy served as the Pastor of St. John Primitive Church in Thomasville, Georgia, for twenty-five years.

At the time of his demise, he had been married to his childhood sweetheart, the former Pamela Webster, since 1970. In addition to his wife, Rev. Billy is survived by his daughter, Michelle; three grandchildren, Mia, Benjamin, and Bryce; two great grandchildren, A’Mya and Kendrin; several godchildren; three brothers, Leroy, LeeNorris (Paula), Raymond (Dorothy), Kirk (Karen),and Gregory (Tracey); two sisters, Irene Fisher and Mary Graham; sister-in law, Valerie Graham; brother-in-law, John R. Webster; and a host of relatives and friends. Two brothers, Robert (Valerie) and Charles preceded him in death.

Rev. Billy diligently refined and perfected his diverse talents, which he regarded as God-given, beginning with his athletic prowess as starting quarterback for Roosevelt High School, where he was a graduate of the Class of 1962, and progressing to the publication of his recent book, Kidd (2025). He also excelled as a machinist, community activist, entrepreneur, scholar, coach, instructor, photographer, and author. Along his life’s journey, Rev. Billy completed a tour of duty in Vietnam as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps and service as military policeman in Barstow, California; employment at Pratt and Whitney as a machinist; partnership in business at Dunbar Paint and Body Shop and owner/proprietor of Billy Graham’s Paint & Body Shop, Inc.; co-founder and President of The Progressive Young Men’s Club, which provided assistance to needy families in West Palm Beach; and starting quarterback for the Gold Coast Barracudas, a semi-pro football team. Subsequently, he served as a coach for Little League Football at Tallahassee Parks and Recreation for seventeen years.

Reverend Billy distinguished himself through a multifaceted career that encompassed both ministry and education. He earned a degree in English Education in 1981 and later taught 8th grade Language Arts. Additionally, Rev. Billy earned a Master of Applied Social Sciences degree with a concentration in Political Science in 2003 and advanced study in English. He also instructed Oral Communications to cadets in the Army ROTC Enhanced Skills Program and served as an adjunct instructor of Orientation and Freshman English at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. During his induction into the Roosevelt High School Hall of FAME in Sports, Reverend Billy emphasized his firm conviction that education is the fundamental key to unlocking all opportunities. His life truly exemplified the benefits of pursuing both a vocation and an avocation. Celebration of Reverend Billy requires that we rejoice in knowing that he is now at peace, affirming his belief in the Lord Jesus Christ whom he served so faithfully.

Psalm 90:10

The days of our lives are threescore years and ten; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Memorial service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 28, 2025 at St. John M.B. Church.