Nolan Earl Graham

Nolan Earl Graham, our dad, passed away today, November 17, 2023. He was born 11/22/33 in St. Helena Parish to Ernest, Sr. and Rezelda Graham. He lived a life of a country boy running in the woods and milking cows with his brother Edsel. After graduating from Greensburg High School, he eventually moved to Baton Rouge where one of his first jobs was driving an ambulance for Baton Rouge Ambulance Service. It was during this time period that two major events occurred, he was drafted into the Army in 1954 and he met, Rosemary Sabella. They were married in January 1955 and were together for 65 years. They lived in Columbus, Georgia while dad was stationed at Fort Benning. Upon his discharge, they moved back to Baton Rouge where dad attended the Vo-Tech school to learn the construction business, specifically how to read blue prints, drafting and estimating construction cost for jobs. After graduating from school, he worked at many technical and general contractors companies. With school behind him, work in front him, mom settled down and started a family. With Four kids in seven years, mom stayed home and dad took care of business, working hard and at times two jobs. He provided well for his family, all of his children attending catholic schools. He was a member of St. Gerard Catholic Church, active within the Boy Scouts, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Dad's last job had to be the most memorable, he started with Industrial Enterprises and it wasn't as much the job or the work he did, but it was the relationship and friendship that developed with the owner, Dwight Smith a true southern gentleman. Dwight was a good man and boss to dad in his later years and into his retirement. In 1993, mom and dad left Baton Rouge and moved back to the family home in St. Helena Parish. Dad had a quiet retirement, spending time with mom and the family. Active at St. Helena Catholic Church and sitting on the front porch. Those family members who proceeded dad were his beloved wife Rosemary, his mom and dad, his in-laws, Ross and Tina Sabella, older brothers Ernest, Jr. and Edsel Graham. Those behind to pray for him are his four children and their spouses, Keith and Mary Jo, Donna and Matthew Campo, Kevin and Yvonne, Dana and Joe Redmond plus ten grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. The visitation for dad will be at Cross Memorial Funeral Home located at 60100 West Way Drive Amite, LA on Tuesday November 21, 2023 starting at 4pm. for the family, Rosary at 4:30pm, and 5pm to 8pm for friends and remaining family. On Wednesday November 22, 2023 dad will be at St. Helena Catholic Church Parish Hall from 8:30 am to 10:45 am. Followed by Mass in the church at 11am The burial to follow at Day's Methodist Church Cemetery in Liverpool/Greensburg, LA with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers if you desire, make a donation in dad's name to St. Helena Catholic Church, and lastly pray for our dad so that when he enters heaven he can pray for us left here.

Tributes

Nolan Earl Graham

November 22, 1933 - November 17, 2023