Frank Steven Degraw

Frank Steven DeGraw Jr., 89, of Charlotte NC passed away peacefully at home early Saturday morning January 12th, 2019. He was born March 16th 1929 to Helen Townsend DeGraw and Frank Steven DeGraw Sr. in Madison, NJ. A younger brother, Ronald Allen DeGraw, preceded Frank in death in addition to his parents. Frank graduated from Madison High School and worked as a Stock Clerk at Bamberger & Company in Morristown, NJ until he was called to serve his country. He was inducted into the United States Army in October of 1951 and was sent to Germany during the Korean Conflict. He received the Army of Occupation Medal-Germany and was relieved of active duty in 1953 but served in the Army Reserve for 8 more years. He married Mary Lucille Webster in 1962. In 1976, the family left Byram Township, NJ and settled in rural Cleveland County (Shelby) NC. In later years, Frank and Mary enjoyed volunteering together. They delivered meals for Meals on Wheels and assisted at The Life Enrichment Center in Shelby. On September 1st of 2018, Frank and Mary celebrated 56 years of marriage. Frank is survived by his wife, Mary; 2 children, Elaine DeGraw Ayala (Thomas Alva Ayala) and Steven M. DeGraw (Felicia Ward DeGraw) and 2 grandchildren, Alexander Ayala and Lindsey Ayala, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Frank’s life will be celebrated at a private Memorial Service with friends and family. He will be interred at a later time with Military Honors at the Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas, www.parkinsonassociation.org