Rev. John W. Graybill

Rev. John W. Graybill, 78, of 35 Oakwood Drive, Palmyra went peacefully home to be with the Lord on Thursday May 6, 2010 from acute myeloid leukemia at home. He was the husband of the late Lucille Grace Hoffsmith Graybill who died in 2005. Born in South Annville Twp. on June 18, 1931, he was the son of the late M. Wesley and Margaret M. Bennetch Graybill. He was currently serving as pastor of Campbelltown United Christian Church where he conducted Senior Seminars for his members and the community. Rev. Graybill was a 1949 graduate of Hershey High School, a 1953 graduate of Millersville State College with a Teaching Degree, a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary, California, and attended Messiah College. He was a former Bishop of the United Christian Church, a member of the Annville United Christian Church, was a former teacher at Hershey High School and Annville-Cleona High School, and at one time owned his own construction business. Along with his wife, he served as a Missionary in Japan from July 1957 to August 2002 where he was instrumental in planting seven Brethren in Christ Churches. He also taught Industrial Arts at Christian Academy in Japan. After retirement from Missions, he returned to Japan and began a Wedding Ministry, conducting over 2000 Weddings. Rev. Graybill published a book in Japanese and English in 1991 entitled "Our Journey into the Heart of Japan, 1957-1991." Surviving are two sons Michael W. husband of Donna Graybill of Woodruff, S.C., Edward P. husband of Maureen Graybill of Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, three daughters Brenda J. wife of Dale R. Custer of Annville, Debra A. wife of Tyrone G. Miller of Lancaster, Barbara G. wife of Kazuichi Togashi of Yokohama, Japan, 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, three sisters Elizabeth "Betty" wife of David B. Flory of Lawn, Marion wife of Earl S. Hoffsmith of Palmyra, Margaret wife of Eugene A. Kish of Palmyra, and a Fiance' Doris Lentz of Palmyra. He was preceded in death by a sister Martha K. Graybill and an infant sister Mary Anna Graybill. His expansive, charismatic life impacted many people cross culturally. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM from the Fontana Union Chapel. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in the Campbelltown United Christian Cemetery. Viewings will be held on Monday from the Fontana Union Chapel from 2-4 and 6-8 PM and also on Tuesday from 10-11 AM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Missions Board of the United Christian Church, 1413 Harding Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033 or Brethren in Christ World Missions, 431 Grantham Road, Box 390, Grantham, PA 17027-0290. PDF Printable Version

Rev. John W. Graybill

June 18, 1931 - May 6, 2010