David Graham

Dave Graham, 62, was received into heaven on April 4, 2024.

Dave was raised in Manlius, IL, by his loving parents. He grew up with his sister, many cousins, and friends within the small Manlius community. At ten years old, Dave knew he wanted to fly airplanes. His parents fostered that desire, and when Dave did well in school, they rewarded him with an airplane ride or a flight lesson. Many in his small high school thought his dream of becoming a pilot was unattainable, but Dave had one goal: to become a pilot and fly big planes.

Dave was a 1980 graduate from Manlius High School, and was accepted into the University of Illinois's aviation program. In his last year, he transferred to Purdue University. Dave worked at Illinois Valley Regional Airport, Whiteside County Airport, and at Air Midwest. Dave was hired as a pilot at American Airlines in 1990, and based at ORD for 24 years. He and his family lived Lake in the Hills, IL, for twenty-two years before moving to Parkland, FL, in August 2015 when Dave was based out of MIA.

Dave met his wife, Becky, at Willow Creek Community Church, and they got married in September 1993. The couple was involved in several ministries at the South Barrington, IL, campus. The family attended Springbrook Community Church. After moving to South Florida, they attended Parkridge Church in Coral Springs, FL, and Church by the Glades, Coral Springs, FL, in 2018.

In 2019, Dave began serving with the Hope South Florida Shared Meals program at Christ Church, Pompano Beach, FL. Next, he served at Christ Church, Parkway Campus, making breakfast for the homeless and low-income community every Sunday. Becky joined him in serving breakfast. He also served every week at the Blessings Food Pantry on the Parkway Campus. Everyone at Parkway loved Dave's calm presence, administration skills, and leadership of volunteers. Every Sunday, Dave would tell the volunteers, "Today's a great day to serve God's people!"

Dave loved his wife of thirty years and loved telling everyone they were celebrating their thirtieth wedding anniversary. When people asked for the secret to thirty years, he said, "God at the center of your life and great communication with your wife."

Dave will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He did not talk much, but when he spoke, he spoke with wisdom, thoughtfulness, and gentleness. Dave had the best sense of humor, which many, especially his wife, appreciated. Dave always gave everyone around him a sense of calmness but he hated when his things were messy or out of order. Dave loved eating his favorites: mushroom/sausage pizza, hot dogs with sweet relish, peanut butter/jelly sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies and anything chocolate. He loved to laugh at himself. He and his wife often commented, "Why are you not more like me?" when they disagreed. They quickly resolved the conflict when they saw it from each other's point of view.

Dave is survived by his wife, Becky (Carter), and his son. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Marilyn Graham. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Beanblossom; a niece, two nephews, and several great nieces and nephews in Oak Ridge, TN; in-laws, Bob and Betty Carter (Delta, Ohio), Connie (Bill) Burcin, Ellen (Mike) Thompson, Mary (Bruce) Mohler, and Beth (Mike) Baun along with many nieces and nephews in Ohio; and many friends and family in Bureau County, IL.

A celebration of life for Dave will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, at Church By the Glades, 400 Lakeview Drive in Coral Springs, FL. Another celebration of Dave's life will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, at Springbrook Community Church, 10115 W. Algonquin Road, Huntley, IL. A private burial will be at Manlius Cemetery where Dave will be buried next to his parents.

His wife, Becky, has asked for no flowers. Instead, please make donations to the Dave Graham memorial at Christ Church-Parkway Campus. Please donate to Christ Church - Parkway Campus in memory of Dave Graham at this link:
https://www.kindridgiving.com/App/Form/e5ca32c6-a2a0-4f0b-b564-310643c1a9f7

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.