OBITUARY: EUGENE McGRAW, May 17, 1909 – July 6, 2009

Remembered as missionary, teacher and principal

METHODIST MISSIONARY Rev Eugene McGraw, known in Malaysia by his nickname as “Mac”, passed away on July 6, 2009 at the age of 100.  He is survived by his brother Glenn, his daughter Bonnie, his son, Paul, three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

He had come out to Malaya in 1937, and served exclusively in Malaysia, where he is remembered as a teacher and principal of Methodist schools in Sitiawan, Sibu, Malacca and Penang until he retired in 1971. He also served as District Superintendent in Sibu, and pastor of the Wesley churches in Taiping and Sitiawan.

The oldest in a family of four boys, “Mac” grew up on the small family farm and developed practical skills which he used to augment the family’s modest means. He was able to attend Earlham College only because he was offered a small scholarship and a part-time job while living at home on the farm. He majored in Physics and Bible Studies with the highest grades in his class.

His theological training was taken at the Oberlin Graduate School of Theology which offered him a three-year tuition scholarship with a part-time job as cafeteria chaplain enabling him to complete his studies.