Walter M. Graben, Sr. Opelika, Alabama Obituary

Walter M. Graben, Sr.

<p>Walter M. Graben, Sr. passed away at his home on Monday, September 13th, 2021 at the age of 78. Born on May 20th, 1943 in Valley, Alabama to Clayton Merritt Graben and Sarah Mauhee Graben Beall.</p> <p>He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Glenda Graben, son, Walter (Phoebe) M. Graben, Jr, of Valley, daughter, Kathy (Todd) Woodham of Lanett, son, Glenn (Angela) Walton, of Prattville, grandchildren, Justin Graben, Austin Graben, Faith Graben all of Valley, AL, Russell Woodham, Virginia Beach, VA, Mitchell (Kayley) Woodham, Rome, GA, Merredtih Woodham, Lanett, AL, Jamie (Dustin) Dabbs, of Pisgah, AL, Christina (Damon) McKenzie or Prattville, AL, Sydney (T. J.) Kionka, Marbury, AL, 7 great grandchildren, Raegan, Tyler, Crimson, Trevyn, Sawyer, Liam, and Jace. Brothers, Bruce (Pat) Graben of LaGrange, GA, Tony (JoAnn) Graben of Ashland, AL, George (Catherine) Graben of Texas, Buddy (Cindy) Graben of Oklahoma, sisters, Sarah Frances Everette of Douglasville, GA, Helen (Eric) Russell of Empire, AL, Aunt, Nell Graben of Valley, AL, brother-in-law, Bruce Perdue, of North East, PA. Numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.</p> <p>He was preceded in death by his parents, Uncle, Jerry Graben of Valley, AL and sister, Jane Perdue of North East, PA, stepsisters, Joycie Ann Brown of Hogansville, GA, Julia Morrow of LaGrange, GA and stepbrother, Frank &ldquo;Buster&rdquo; Beall of Hogansville, GA.</p> <p>During his working years, he was employed with a stock exchange in Atlanta, Ga and then moved back to Valley, AL in 1971 where he worked for West Point Pepperell for 17 years before he moved to Opelika and worked with Leshner Mills for 9 years where he retired as Plant Manager. He was an avid golfer and Alabama football fan. He loved traveling and being Papa to his grandchildren. He loved his family and friends and will be missed.</p> <p>After his retirement from the textile industry, he owned and operated Walter&rsquo;s Auto Sales in West Point, Ga and Opelika, AL and Kwik Sav Convenience store before retiring in 2008. He was president of the Chamber of Commerce of Opelika in 1993 and worked diligently for the United Way of Lee County, being awarded the Volunteer of the Year and Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in 1993.</p> <p>He graduated from Valley High School in 1961 and attended Emory University, Southern Union State Community College and Auburn University.</p> <p>He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Opelika and the Dudley Sunday School Class.</p> <p>Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made in his memory to First Baptist Church of Opelika Building Fund or to the Alabama School for the Blind, Talladega, AL.</p> <p>A funeral service will be 2:00pm Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, burial will follow at Garden Hills Cemetery. Vistation will be Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home beginning at 5:00pm until 7:00pm.</p> <p>Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directing.</p> <p>www.jeffcoattrant.com</p>
May 20, 1943 - September 13, 202105/20/194309/13/2021
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B
Brenda Cole
September 16, 2021
Sorry for your loss, Praying for comfort
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Tommy and Tina Hamby
September 15, 2021
Lit a candle in memory of Walter M. Graben, Sr.
A candle was posted for Walter M. Graben, Sr..
A candle was posted for Walter M. Graben, Sr..
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FreddieM.Wright
September 15, 2021
So very sorry to hear of Walter's passing. He was always a great guy & a very dear friend of mine. He & his sweet wife Glenda always supported me & my Sons music when we were all members of the Elks Club there in Auburn,Alabama. I always considered him a very good friend... Continue Reading
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Tom & Marsha Reeves
September 14, 2021
Glenda, our love and prayers are with you. May God give you grace and peace. We enjoyed many good times with you and Walter. He will be missed by many friends. Condolences also to Glenn Graben.
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Jennie Lockridge
September 14, 2021
Lit a candle in memory of Walter M. Graben, Sr.
A candle was posted for Walter M. Graben, Sr..
A candle was posted for Walter M. Graben, Sr..
C
Carolyn Leithner
September 14, 2021
Awesome Uncle. Fond memories as long as I can remember. I wish all the other family members comfort in this time of sorrow.
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The staff at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home
September 14, 2021
We plant this tree as a living memorial to Walter M. Graben, Sr.. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
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