Graham Lail Obituary

Graham (Leroy) Lail, Jr.

December 27, 1938 - February 6, 2024

Graham "Leroy" Lail, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 6, at his home in Conover, NC. Leroy was born in Catawba County on December 27, 1938, and was the first son of the late Graham Leroy Lail, and the late Ethel Burris Lail.

Leroy proudly never missed a day of school, graduating from Saint Stephens High School in 1957 and attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he joined the NROTC. In June of 1961, Leroy graduated college, received his commission in the Navy, and married the love of his life, Lynn, all in the same week. During his time in the Navy, he served on the Admiral Staff in the Seventh Fleet during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

After serving, he returned to North Carolina where he established his life as a successful businessman, community advocate, and proud philanthropist.

In 1960, he and Lynn led the development of the Hickory Furniture Mart, which continues to operate today. He was dedicated to expanding hospitality in the region and is affiliated with many of the area's hotels. He was a longtime member of the Tourism Development Authority where he led efforts to create the Hickory Metro Convention Center. He also served as Chairman of the International Association of Holiday Inns.

Leroy was a steadfast supporter of education and served as a member of the UNC Board of Governors for 13 years, where he led the North Carolina public university system through tremendous growth. In 2023, Appalachian State University opened its Hickory campus, a vision long championed by Leroy.

To add to his lasting legacy, Leroy authored several books, most notably "Win/Win," his philosophy in business and in life.

Leroy was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and a devoted member of Saint John's Lutheran Church. He loved golf, gardening, sailing, history and the Carolina Tar Heels. Above all, he loved his family and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Laura "Lynn" Mull Lail; his brother Charles Ray Lawson Lail, and wife, Barbara Ann Lail; his children, Graham "Scott" Lail and wife, Hailey Ferrell Lail, Bradley Charles Lail and wife, Margaret Adele Nealon, and Laura Lail Treadaway and husband, James Olin Treadaway, Jr.; six grandchildren, Taylor Mull Lail, Christian Manning Lail, Graham Banks Lail, Frances Cooper Lail, Ferrell Moore Lail, and James Olin Treadaway III; and three nephews.

The family will be receiving friends at 10:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Conover. The service will also be available to stream online.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either: St. John's Lutheran Church, 2126 Saint Johns Church Rd NE, Conover, NC 28613 or Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC, 28658.