It is with regret we announce the passing of Mr. Robert R. “Bob” McGraw, age 82, of Taft, TN. A funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jim Curry officiating. Burial will follow at a later date in Carter Hills Cemetery.
Bob was born April 11, 1940, to the late Robert L. and Katherine Culp McGraw. He was a graduate of Auburn University and traveled for many years working for Ecolochem and GE. Bob loved Auburn, his dogs, riding horses, deep sea fishing, and playing golf, always after that elusive hole-in-one. Bob attended Coldwater First Methodist Church and enjoyed his farm and being a part of the Coldwater community. He passed away at his home on April 17, 2022.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Williams McGraw; children, Sean and Crystal McGraw of New London, NC, Kevin McGraw of Madison, AL, Patrick and Jenny McGraw of Edgemore, SC, Charles Williams of Taft, Mike and Dana Williams of Shelbyville, TN, Lee Williams of Taft, and Lana Williams of Manchester, TN; brother, John and Verna McGraw; sister, Dr. Katherine McGraw and CB; grandchildren, Blake and Bri Williams, Chase Williams, Victoria Williams, Haylee Williams, Gauge Anderson, Lucas Williams, Dillon McGraw, Katie McGraw, Abbey McGraw, and William McGraw; and great-grandchildren, Annarah Yates, Gabe Yates, and Nevaeh Williams.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Coldwater United Methodist Church, c/o Janice Dean, 158 Curtis Road, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Robert R. McGraw.
Bob McGraw was truly the most unforgettable personality I ever met. Our professional relationship started almost 50 years ago at a company called Dow Industrial Service. He was a legend then but those accomplishments pale when compared to his record at Ecolochem. May God bless Bob McGraw.
Bob and I worked together in various capacities for over thirty years. He was my mentor and I learned much from him, but more importantly he was my great friend. He always had time to help his friends, and customers were friends as well, they understood that he always looked out for their best interests and he worked his hardest and longest to help them be successful.
He was well known and highly respected in the chemical cleaning and water treatment industries. Those of us who were lucky enough to know him well, and to work with him, were in awe of his unique talents in both technical and inter-personal skills, he was the best at what he did. He really was a super salesman, but also a super person, loved by all who knew him. He was one of the most generous people I have ever met, always going out of his way to help someone in need. And he spread so much joy and fun – if Bob was there it was a party! I’ll miss him greatly. My sincerest condolences to Mary and the other members of Bob’s family (who I am also very lucky to know).
You knew when Bob McGraw walked in a room. He lit it up, with energy, charisma and laughter. People loved him, they flocked to him, they wanted to hear what Bob had to say. It might be about Auburn or Tennessee Walkers, that last fish he caught, the adventures of Mr Fun, or it might be about how proud he was of his family or how he was going to help that customer solve their problems. Bob McGraw was a legend at Ecolochem, there’s no other way to put it! For those of us that worked with him, he will remain a legend! Rest in Peace Bob, and my condolences to the entire McGraw family.
Bob was the happiest guy I ever met. His title of Mr. Fun and Boss Hog were so fitting. He always had a smile and always found a way to make things happen. Our love and prayers to the entire family! You will be missed!
Bob was a good friend, I told Bob the only thing I found wrong with himself, was being an Auburn grad VS a Tide Grad. I enjoyed the years working Bob projects.
Bob and I started at Ecolochem at the same time in 1984, and I think we managed to visit every power plant, paper mill, and lunch stop that featured a drippy tie-staining sandwich between Memphis and Savannah.
Bob was one of a kind in a breed of men that there are few of anymore. He was there in the fight when you needed him and always had my back.
Rest easy, brother. I’ll miss you.
Bob will always be a mentor to me. He was a larger-than-life legend in our company, and a tenacious force of positive energy. He had the unique ability to develop deep and lasting relationships with people of all stripes. You couldn’t help but love him. The few years I spent working for him were formative and I am better for it.
My most sincere condolences to Mrs. Mary McGraw and the McGraw family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
When John Pugsley (Our Southern area salesman) came to me saying he had to resign his position at Ecolochem because of family issues, I was concerned as he was an ex FP&L Engineer and well respected in the power industry. He said however not to worry as he had already found his replacement. That replacement was Bob McGraw. Little did I know at the time that he had found what became the greatest salesman in the history of Ecolochem, and also one of the best all around guys ever involved with the company. Bob will be greatly missed.
RIP Mr. Fun.
I worked with Bob for probably 20 years!
He always helped everyone. I will miss him greatly, a very special friend.
Oh papa!!! I will miss you so. I have so many memories of you and with you and I am grateful to have been able to call you my FIL for so many years. The memory that has just stuck out in my head these past couple of days is. the 1st time I watched YOU watching an Auburn football game. It was on tv, but you got so excited you couldn’t even watch it. I remember you going down the hallway, peeking around the corner to see Sean’s reaction before you’d come back and watch! I remember thinking this is extreme, but it has made me chuckle ever since. You did everything you loved, BIG!!! We love you papa and I’m so glad to know you are at peace. You will never be forgotten!!
As road warriors, Boss Hog & I called on many paper, chemical, refinery & utilities companies in the southeast. Every facility knew & loved Bob. He took the concept of mobile flow trailers and made it an industry standard.
Until we meet again, keep a beer ready!
I first met Bob in Tennessee while working for Ecolochem. He became a good friend and mentor. I learned a lot from Bob and he often gave me great advice like “get things off your chest, letting then fester just makes it worse.” That advice stays with me today.
I couldn’t agree more with others who have written here that Bob never met a stranger and tended to make a lasting impression with all that he met.
Thank you for the smiles and wisdom as I was starting my career!
Condolences to Bob’s family. He will be missed dearly!
I learned so much from Bob “Quick Draw” McGraw as our plant managers called him.
He taught me boiler cleaning when he was with Dowell and mobile water purification with Ecolochem. All our plant managers loved and highly respected his expertise.
You will be missed my friend.
Bob, may you rest in eternal peace. I will always be thankful for our friendship. Each time I recall our discussions and meetings we attended, still brings a smile to my face. A stranger you never met, always extending a welcome hand to everyone. You will never be forgotten by all that knew you.
Bob and I worked together in the late 1990’s during our Ecolochem years. He was always there for me and is a large part of my success. We had some great times together and I am proud to be considered one of his Auburn boys.
War Eagle! My friend! Love, Stan
One of my best friends and mentor.
RIP Boss Hog. Although it has been many years since we sweated our butts off in the summer of SC jobs. Remember your face got so red that i thought you would pass out. you were a good man loved by all. Can still hear your laugh.
I first met Bob in 1988 while a customer, then worked with him from 1990 to 1996. We remained friends throughout. There was hardly a person Bob ever met that didn’t become a friend. He could make you laugh and had the willingness to participate in antics most would never dare, like dressing up in a white suit and hat as “Boss Hog” and signing autographs on Bourbon Street during the Sugar Bowl. He danced (literally and figuratively) and laughed through life. He could tell stories like no one else. He fully earned his nickname “Mr. Fun”. He loved his family, his friends, and his horses. His big personality will be missed. May smiles come to all his family and friends remembering Bob at this time of loss.
My condolences to the family on Bob’s passing. I worked with Bob many years with both Ecolochem and GE Mobile Water. He was a friend to many and never met a stranger. It was a privilege to have known Bob and to have worked with him so long. He will truly be missed.
You will be missed