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Submitted: 2/18/16 • Approved: 8/28/19 • Last Updated: 8/31/19 • R1123400-G0-S3
August 14, 1943 - April 2, 2015
*Obituary
Mr. Tyrone Power McGraw, beloved brother, father and grandfather of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on August 14, 1943 in Stephens, Arkansas to Mrs. Pearlie Mae Ferguson McGraw and Rev. George W. McGraw. He had eight sisters and brothers: Eflan Varnado, Everlean McGraw (deceased), George W. McGraw, Jr., Paul Don McGraw (deceased), Pauline McGraw, Lester W. McGraw (Cheryl), Mary McGraw (deceased), and Dinah McGraw Goodspeed. He was predeceased by both parents. He also leaves to grieve: his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a host of cousins, friends, and colleagues.
He married Dr. Patricia McGraw, and became the father of her three children who affectionately called him Smiley: Donita McGraw Johnson, Guy Patrick McGraw, and Lori McGraw-Baker (Gerry). Tyrone is also the proud father of Jacqueline “Renee” Byrd, Kenneth Johnson, Tummie Patterson, Fernanda Hugh-Bright, Sonjia Hopkins Hubbard (Eric), and Son’ya Hopkins.
Tyrone graduated from Peabody High School, in Alexandria, LA, and later relocated to Little Rock, AR on a basketball scholarship to attend Shorter Junior College, and later continued his education at Philander Smith College, receiving his Bachelor of Science (BS) and Masters in Education (ME) degrees. He later became a professor there and taught for over forty years before becoming ill. He was also the basketball and track coach for the men’s and women’s teams. He loved family, teaching, coaching, helping others, and being a friend to everyone with whom he came into contact. His favorite Bible verse which he often quoted is: Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”.
A memorial, “Celebration of Life” service has been planned for Thursday , April 9, 2015, 11:30am at Philander Smith College, Main Auditorium 900 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202.
His funeral will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at 2p.m Glover Memorial COG in Emerson, Arkansas 9177 Hwy 79: Services entrusted to Premier Funeral Home 1518 S. Battery St. Little Rock, AR 72202
Contributed on 2/18/16 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1123400