Emil Graf Obituary

Emil Fred Graf, 99, passed away March 6, 2026 from complications related to congestive heart failure and cancer. At the time of his death, he was a resident at Arbor Landing in Pawley's Island, South Carolina.

Fred was born 11 December 1926 in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania to Emil Graf (1892–1978) and Rose Suter (1898–1973). His parents had immigrated to the U.S. from Switzerland. His three siblings were Helen Rose Graf (1925–2008), George Ernest Graf (1928–2020) and a sister who died at birth.

As a child and during the depression of the 1930's Fred spent several years of his childhood with family in Switzerland before returning to Collingdale, Pennsylvania.

At age 18, he was drafted into the armed services. He served as a merchant marine in 1950 and in the U.S. Marine Corps as a private 1st class and corporal. He was released from active duty in 1954.

April 15, 1950, Fred married Dolores Ann "D" Bothum (1930–2019) in Wilmington, Delaware. They had three sons: Steven Fred, Bruce Kenneth, and Barry Lee Graf.

Fred worked for 20 years with the Atlantic Refining Company before entering full time ministry. He graduated from Philadelphia College of the Bible with a bachelor's in Christian education. Fred was ordained in 1970 in Brookhaven Pennsylvania at the Faith Baptist Church. He began his years of ordained ministry at age 44. He served Faith Baptist church as Minister of Christian Education and Assistant Pastor. Fred, D and children had been members of Faith Baptist Church 18 years prior to Fred's ordination.

As the years passed, his love for counseling grew, while also remaining active in various church ministries. He returned to school to get further training in counseling.

In 1997 Fred and D moved to Pawley's Island South Carolina from Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, D, were members at Pawley's Island Community Church. Fred taught Bible classes, did guest speaking, conducted marriages and provided family counseling for both the church and Pawleys Island community. He continued to be active in ministry until 4 days before his death. He was a beloved friend, counselor, mentor, and teacher to many at Pawleys Island Community Church and the Pawleys Island Community.

Fred is survived by 3 sons (Steve and Jan Graf; Bruce Graf, and Berry and Joan Graf), 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

On Saturday March 14, 2026 the family will receive friends at Pawleys Island Community Church 10304 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC from 10 AM to 11 AM. Fred's Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11 AM.

Following the Celebration of Life service Fred will be interred beside his beloved wife, D, at Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church Cemetery with a brief graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Martha's House, PO Box 434, Georgetown, SC, 29442 or to the Pawleys Island Community Church, 10304 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.