Ernie Graham passed away peacefully October 10. 2023 at the Florence Medical Center. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Ernie was raised in southern California and later resided in South Carolina for over 30 years where he raised seven children alongside his cherished wife Carol Graham of 43 years.
Ernie was a faithful believer and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. He lived an adventurous life and exemplified what it meant to be a loving father and husband. Ernie grew up in southern California working alongside his father and brother in the automotive industry, later operating his own shop with a passion for working on foreign vehicles. After graduating UCLA, he traveled the world surfing with friends visiting numerous locations to include Australia, New Zealand, and the Hawaiian Islands. Upon arriving in Myrtle Beach, Ernie opened Autocare Services where he grew it to be the largest auto repair shop in the Grand Strand.
Ernie was not only a role model to his own children but to many in the community. He coached soccer and softball for the local recreation department for multiple age groups and served in various ministries for his church as well as leading a men’s group at a local homeless shelter. Known to be an outdoorsman, Ernie enjoyed taking his family camping, fishing, and boating off the east coast. Passionate for God’s creation, Ernie had a great appreciation for sunsets and would always advise his children to “Pay attention to what God is trying to tell you.”
Ernie is predeceased by his parents Ernest Robert Graham Sr. and Lilian Graham. He is survived by his wife Carol Graham and seven children: Shon Graham, Autumn Graham, Robin Graham (Nicole), Buddy Graham (Erin), Hannah Graham, Jesse Graham (Morgan), David Graham. Eight Grandchildren: Eli, Logan, Pierce, Kelly, Lennon, Lio, Waverly, and Bennet. Other family members include; his siblings David and Pamela Graham as well as countless extended family and friends.
He was loved dearly by all of his family and will be greatly missed.
Services will be held at Breath of Life Ministries, October 15, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.
8148 Ocean Hwy W, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Arrangements in the care of Coastal Cremations Carolina Shores.
4 Comments
Growing up in Southern California in the 70’s was a very special time. With a close knit group of friends such as Ernie, Mike Ahler, Randy Garrett to name a few we had the best So. Cal living had to offer. Mountains, beaches, desert. On any given day you could be in one place or the other(work/school permitting).
Surfboards, motorcycles, hiking, camping, skiin, football. Pride in our country, firm in our beliefs, rock and roll anthems blazing. A very special time, a very special friend was Ernie Graham.
Ernie was a great man and a great friend. I always enjoyed hanging out with him, sharing our surfing stories and love of the ocean & salt water fishing, watching his kids and mine growing up together…Big Ernie always had a smile on his face and laughter from his heart & he always had a funny story to tell that I never had heard before. We spent many hours talking about the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ WHOM Ernie is with now, whole healed, in fullness of joy. My heartfelt prayers go out to Carol and her daughters, sons and grands for peace and comfort.
Ernie, I never lnew you were ailing. I am devastated. You were exactly 3 wks younger than I. Growing up together in the valley in the 60’s, then sharing a house with you in the early 70’s. I remember when you got that great rental on Erwin St in Tarazana, W/Gary Birger; you had that great REAL pinball machine. You made some swell ‘surf vans’ in the latter 60’s. You were a stud offensive lineman at Taft HS. I am proud to have called you a friend, and it is you who really opened my to the South when your Dad got the Gulf station in downtown Atlanta, right across from the Varsity. Spent many a fun weekend in that old mobile home on Lake Allatoona and getting pulled around the lake w/your Dad’s motorboat. It is because of you that I too became a ‘southern boy’ and was able to make my escape from Kalif. to Tennessee finally. Goodspeed, my friend. You were a ‘good ole boy’ to the end!
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family through this difficult time. Ernie was a great man and a great friend. We met through the home school activities in the 90’s and became great friends. He was always there with his positive attitued and big smile. During some of the rocky times that you experience going through life he was there to lift you up. It was a great friendship and one that we will always cherish and miss. RIP Friend.
Steve & Donna
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