Edwin "Ed" P. Graham

Reverend Edwin P. Graham lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love for both the Lord and his fellow man. He passed peacefully in Asheville, NC on April 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of ministry, compassion, and community leadership that touched countless lives across the Southeast and beyond.

Ed graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1955, where he distinguished himself as a standout athlete in basketball, tennis, and track. His athleticism and leadership carried him through college at Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, where he continued competing in sports and earned his degree in 1959. Guided by a deep calling to ministry, Ed went on to receive his Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary in 1962.

His pastoral journey began at Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church in Walnut Grove, South Carolina, where he faithfully served for four years. After the original sanctuary was destroyed by lightning, Ed’s vision and steady leadership helped guide the construction of a new sanctuary—a testament to his unwavering faith and community spirit.

Ed then accepted the call to Arden Presbyterian Church, where he served as Senior Pastor for 35 years. Under his leadership, another sanctuary was built, and the congregation grew in faith and fellowship. His final chapter in ministry was as Pastor in Residence at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, where for 16 years he provided spiritual guidance to seekers, pastors, and leaders from across the country.

Ed’s dedication extended far beyond the pulpit. He loved connecting with people, especially young athletes and their families, often meeting them on the court or in the stands. His deep roots on a North Carolina farm blossomed into a lifelong love of gardening—particularly his treasured rose bushes, which he nurtured with great pride and care.

In times of crisis, Ed showed up. As a Rapid Response Team Chaplain for Samaritan’s Purse, he traveled across the country offering prayer, hope, and presence to those recovering from natural disasters.

Above all, Ed was a man of joy, humility, and deep compassion. He will be remembered for his gentle wisdom, his booming laugh, and the countless lives he uplifted through decades of faithful service.

One of Ed’s greatest wishes was to leave a legacy of salvation for his family. He is survived by his wife Gail Graham, children Cindy, Todd (Judy), Mark (Robin), and Kevin (Shawnna) Graham, grandchildren Rachel (Chad) Walls, Megan (Will) Turner, Allison, Jordan, Kayla, Cooper and Colson, and great granddaughter Haven Walls. He was preceded in death by his daughter Lisa, parents Clyde and Jennie Graham, brother Clyde Moffet and an infant sister.

A celebration of Ed’s life and legacy will be held at Arden Presbyterian Church on Saturday April 12 at 2 pm. Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.