Leland Graham

Dr. Leland Graham, 84, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 31, 2023, at his home in Atlanta. He was born September 12, 1938, in Reform, Alabama to the late George Fletcher Graham and Maurene Orr Graham. He was a graduate of Pickens County High School in Reform, later earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of West Alabama, Livingston, Alabama; Master of Education in English from Auburn, University; and, a Ph.D. in School Administration from Georgia State University.

Leland devoted his life to the field of education which spanned over six decades. His teaching experiences began in Plantersville, Alabama, and later at Parrish High School, Selma, Alabama, where he was named 1968 Teacher of the Year. He moved to Atlanta where he worked as: Director of Student Activities at the Art Institute of Atlanta; Adult Education at the Tuxedo Education Center, Atlanta; and, Freshman English instructor at Georgia State University, Atlanta. The valuable experience that he gleaned from the classroom opened new doors which included: Stevens School Supply, Doraville, as Metro Atlanta sales manager; Carson-Dellosa Publishing, Inc., Greensboro, NC as southern sales manager; ABC School Supply, Duluth, marketing director; and, The School Box, Inc., Atlanta where he served in many capacities and retiring as public relations director.

His love of learning and teaching others did not end with his death. Leland left behind a legacy by authoring over 90 educational books that are still used in schools across the country. He had a zest for life that fueled his passion for traveling the world. A true lover of the arts, he was an avid art collector, and enjoyed Broadway shows and plays. He loved giving back to the community by volunteering at Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Atlanta Special Olympics, St. Jude, and others.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by one sister, Charlotte Graham Darnell (Jamie) of Okolona, Mississippi; two nieces, Amy Self (Tripp) of Macon, Georgia, and Haley Weeks (Casey) of Franklin, Tennessee, a nephew, Jay Darnell (Natania) of Tupelo, Mississippi. He also leaves great nephews and nieces: Ethan Scott, Graham Scott, Joyner Weeks, Evan Smith, Walker Self, Sterling Weeks, Isabella Scott, Georgia Weeks, and Ty Smith, along with hosts of friends.

A celebration of life reception in his memory will be held Thursday, June 8, 2023, from noon until 2:00 P. M., at A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, Decatur. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, 1346 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta; St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or, the charity of your choice.