| Description: |
For Immediate Release
Henry “Tip” Graham, Jr., Co-Chair of the Scott-McRae Group Succumbs to ALS on July 17
Jacksonville, FL (July 19, 2010) --- Henry “Tip” Graham, Jr., Co-Chair of the Scott-McRae Group lost a valiant battle to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) on July 17. Mr. Graham was 61 years old and had led the Scott-McRae Group (SMAG), a family-owned enterprise with over 800 employees in the southeastern United States for over 30 years. Mr. Graham is survived by his wife, Diane, co-chair of SMAG, and three children, Alex, co-vice chair of SMAG (wife, Caroline, son Luke), Katie (husband Mark), and Hampton, co-vice chair of SMAG. The announcement was made by David Hodges, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of the company.
“Tip’s commitment to business innovation has helped push the Scott-McRae Group to its position of prominence as one of the top 100 automotive dealer groups in the United States, “ said Hodges. “In addition to his business acumen, he has a lasting legacy as an important steward of the community and was recently honored by Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton for his efforts. Tip’s impact in the community and in the lives of those who had the honor to know him is immeasurable. He will be sorely missed by all who worked with him and knew him.”
Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, July 22 at 1PM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 4129 Oxford Ave.in Jacksonville.
Tip Graham joined the Scott-McRae Group in 1977 when he joined the parts department at Duval Ford. He was the third generation of family leadership at the Scott-McRae Group taking over from his father-in-law Walter McRae, Jr. A graduate of the University of Florida and Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Tip made the transition from legal practice to the automotive industry. In doing so, he brought a strong mission and vision to the company including growing the footprint of the company, creating an Executive Management Committee to lead the business, and establishment of a company charitable giving foundation. He was recently honored by a proclamation from Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton who proclaimed May 25 as Tip Graham Day honoring him for his many contributions to Jacksonville’s quality of life.
Tip’s service resulted in many honors including a nomination for the national Time Dealer of the Year award, the 2008 Ultimate CEO Award from the Jacksonville Business Journal, and Distinguished Alumnus Awards from P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School in 2009 and from the president of the University of Florida in 2008. His civic involvements included service as board chair for the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and the Jacksonville Urban League. He was also a board trustee for the Jacksonville Community Council, Inc., WJCT, Habitat for Humanity, American Lung Association, Episcopal High School(named trustee emeritus in 2010)and The Museum of Science and History. Tip’s efforts led to the establishment of the Blow the Whistle on Asthma Walk for the American Lung Association and he led JCCI’s study on Positive Development of Jacksonville’s Children.
Environmental awareness and preservation had always been one the causes that Tip was very passionate about and he was especially proud of his efforts that led to Kingsley Lake and the north fork of Black Creek being designated as Outstanding Florida Water Bodies.
The Graham family has been long-time supporters of the work of the ALS Association. Tip helped to establish research projects at the Packard Center at Johns Hopkins and open an office for the ALS Association of Florida in Jacksonville.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the organizations mentioned above or to his unrealized goal of creating a citywide therapeutic riding program in Jacksonville, through H.O.R.S.E. Therapy, Inc (Helping Others Rehabilitate through the Services of Equines), 734 Wren Road, Jacksonville, FL 32216.
The Scott-McRae Group includes Duval Ford, Duval Honda, Duval Mazda at the Avenues, Duval Acura, Dana Safety Supply, Duval Motorcars, Duval Subaru, Tampa Honda Land, Countryside Ford, Countryside Mazda, Brandon Honda, Auto Credit, AutoLease, Commercial Landscape Solutions, Commercial Detail Solutions, and Scott-McRae Advertising. For more information about the Scott-McRae Group, log on to www.scottmcraegroup.com.
-30-
Media Contact
Amy Rankin
904-380-4292 or 904-334-6574
arankin@smag.com
|