Graham McQuitty

In this world but never of it for 36 fleeting years, 1988 to 2024, Graham Thomas McQuitty departed peacefully on Friday, July 19 with his parents at his side. Graham embodied uncommon courage and unfailing love in the face of multiple challenges. From his earliest years, he was known for his kind heart, gentle demeanor and warm sense of humor. He gave and received love with great joy.

His academic accomplishments were remarkable. He graduated from Westminster Christian Academy in Opelousas, Louisiana, qualifying for TOPS, and from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a bachelor’s degree in General Studies, major concentration in Business Studies.

He volunteered at Hospice of Acadiana, First United Methodist Church, and any other place offering a chance to serve. He applied his hard earned intellectual tools to his spiritual life, faithfully reading the Bible and other Christian literature. First United Methodist Church of Lafayette uniquely nourished, respected, and cherished him, and he reciprocated.

Graham kept an elaborate system of birthday, anniversary, and other dates so he could send cards to people, some of whom he hardly knew. He enthusiastically enjoyed holiday festivities with all their decor and traditions. He had a delightful affinity for Peter Rabbit. He was an avid sports fan with an encyclopedic knowledge of the National Football League and of golf history. Stories of NFL players who had overcome extraordinary hardships particularly interested him.

A lifelong resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, Graham had myriad friends. Many would never have known each other had Graham not brought them together at his college graduation reception, when they graced his home in large numbers. He was grateful to have graduated in the last such ceremony before the COVID shutdown, with all due pomp and circumstance and with his friends’ overwhelming support.

He was a solid golfer, causing consternation to unsuspecting partners. He had an effortless swing, a strong short game with absolutely no fear of sand bunkers, and a superficially nonchalant but effective putt. He also enjoyed endurance swimming. When he had to relinquish these athletic endeavors, he transitioned to long walks with his mother and to resistance training.

Graham had a strong family life. He loved extended family and exuded joy at holiday gatherings. His parents, Claudia Lennox Graham McQuitty and James Thomas McQuitty, Jr. survive him, along with three doting and beloved sisters; Rebecca Graham McQuitty, Elizabeth Burns McQuitty and her husband Arthur J Lee, and Katherine Anne McQuitty Hays and her husband Simon Christopher Hays; also his nieces and nephews Anna McQuitty Lee, Ian McQuitty Lee, Wesley Thomas Hays, Julianne Bethany Hays, and Elise Madeline Hays; his loving great aunt Dottie Counce, and many other relatives and friends.

His final morning, his routine led him to Romans 12 in his mother’s New King James, which he had appropriated. This selection, coupled with his reminiscing of fond memories from his formative years, seem in retrospect to represent premonition and preparation.

In addition to health professionals and their staffs, and to dedicated and humane school and university faculty and staff, some uniquely personal friends were, in a short list beginning in early childhood: Una Guidroz Usher, nurturing caregiver; Yola Brown Malbreaux, who called him by the their private nickname "Froggy" and who had a genius for cajoling; Angela Hymel and Jeanne Moore, teachers who brought expertise to his interval of homeschooling; Marilyn Rivera, teacher and encourager at Westminster; Lindsey Rue Goodyear, extraordinary friend; Charles Dugas, golf teaching professional, who got away with emphatic direct instruction; and counselor James Huval, MSW, LCSW, for extraordinary skill, patience, kindness and generosity.

Graham's memorial service will be Friday August 16, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, 703 Lee Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70501 (elevator access through back door by parking lot). Visitation at the church will be from 1:00-2:00 PM, immediately followed by the service. Reception will follow at Graham's family home.

For those desiring, donations to First United Methodist Church, 703 Lee Avenue Lafayette, LA. 70501, or to the nonprofit Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503, would be most appropriate.