---A memorial service was held Thursday night for Melvin Graham, the younger brother of evangelist Billy Graham. Melvin Graham was 78, and he died of cardiac arrest Sunday night at Carolinas Medical Center. Graham was a dairy farmer, real estate developer and lay evangelist who spoke at churches, business conferences, and festivals conducted by Billy Graham's son Franklin. Melvin Graham in 1985 became a board member of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. In 1999, he took a position of board member emeritus with the association. In a statement, Billy Graham said "Melvin was not only my brother, but was one of the closest and loyal friends I ever had,'' Billy Graham said. ``I look forward to seeing Melvin again when I get to heaven.'' Melvin Graham is survived by his wife Peggy and their children Deryl and Mel. (8/29/2003)
