Joseph Harry Graham, 92, of Leonardtown, MD passed away August 11, 2014 at St. Mary's Nursing Center. Born September 11, 1921 in Anderson, SC he was the son of the late William Floyd Graham and Ida Miriam Thomas.

Joseph proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy from 1942 until his honorable discharge in 1946, then in the Naval Reserves as Lieutenant Commander until 1981. He took part in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. He married his beloved wife, Ruth Gilstrap Graham on May 11, 1946 in Stephens County, GA. Together they celebrated 68 wonderful years of marriage.

He earned his PhD in Plant Pathology from NC State in 1950. He was employed by the Department of Agriculture as a Plant Pathologist until 1977 and then by Waterman-Loomis Seed Company until 1983. He travelled extensively with both jobs, including to the Soviet Union, South America, Australia, and Europe.

His hobbies included vegetable gardening and carpentry. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and donated many hours of service to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.

In addition to his beloved wife, Joseph is survived by his children, Anne G. Lowney (Jeremiah) and Joseph H. Graham, Jr. (Denise), and his grandson, Vincent Graham. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas Graham and Hoyt Graham.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held on Aug. 20 at 11AM at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623.

Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 9701 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20903-2300.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.