Frederick Douglas Graham, affectionately known as "Sonny" the youngest of eight siblings, and the son of Irene Rinner Graham and George Stephany, was born February 2, 1942 in Dorothy, NJ and departed this life on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the age of 81.

Sonny was educated in the public schools of Weymouth Township, New Jersey; walking many miles to get to school, was Sonny's 1st demonstrative example of tenacity. Followed by his entrenched work ethic, which was cultivated on his parents 40 acre farm; waking at daybreak
and working from sun up until sundown. He took that sense of commitment and responsibility to his first paying job at the Rubinoff Feed Mill in Vineland, NJ. Always seeking improved employment, he subsequently worked for Derossi & Sons, and the Penbrook, clothing factories. Sonny found his niche at Lenox China Incorporated, retiring in 2004 after 29 years. Not being a person to sit still, upon retirement he obtained employment with the Vineland Day Care Center as a "Grandpop." The children adored his mild mannerisms and protective spirit.

Sonny met the love of his life, Cynthia Lavern Bennett and was married on October 9, 1982. The loving couple became a blended family of 12. In 1985 they built their dream home, on a portion of the Graham farm, in Dorothy. Family and friends share many fond memories of superb 'cookout' meals and hours spent playing horse shoes, and shooting pool at the Graham manor.

Sonny had a beautiful, smooth, silky, and soothing tenor voice. He shared his gift as a member of the Cleo Brown Emergency Choir, the Faith Baptist Church choir in Pleasantville, and most recent, as a member of the Union Baptist Temple Church family. He also obliged family and friends as soloist, when called upon, for many of their Life Celebrations. As an extension of his musical capacity, Sonny entertained visitors with his "Oldies but Goodies" sounds i.e. Barry White and Marvin Gaye. It must be noted that Sonny loved singing "Daddy's Home" with his cousin Robert White and friend John Brown.

In retirement, Sonny never sat still, he enjoyed fishing, barbequing, maintaining his enormous yard, and celebrating his Philadelphia Eagles. However, his favorite pastime was bowling. Yes, he owned six (6) bowling balls and a room full of trophies, that attest to his expertise and love
of the sport. As a Lenox employee, Sonny amassed a treasure trove of Lenox China as a winning bowler and singing competitor.

Sonny was a quiet soul, but he could/would debate an issue one on one for hours. A favorite memory of Cynthia's, is purposely starting a political conversation, when Sonny's nephew Earl came to visit, then disappearing, leaving the two men to debate for hours, solving the world issues, Graham style.

Sonny and Cynthia made each other laugh heartily! Throughout the years their lives, and thoughts grew in sync with each other. They not only complimented each other, they were so in sync they often would complete each other's sentences.

Sonny leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 40 years, Cynthia Bennett Graham; his children, Karen Smith (John Jr.), DeHaven Graham, Sr. (Maxine), Octavian Graham, Sylvia Graham, Matthew Graham, and Shana Graham; one sister, Bessie Green; four sisters-in-law,
Phyllis Graham, Norma Graham, Tracey Bennett, and Michelle (Shellie) Bennett; 20 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren; a host of loving nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins and friends.

Sonny was preceded by two sons, Frederick Douglas Graham and Parrish Douglas Graham; three brothers Thomas, Garfield and George Graham; and three sisters, Vernese Smith, Lawreather Walker and Mary Burrell.