LTC RAYMOND E. GRAHAM, SR To TAPS

LTC (RET) Raymond Earl Graham was born July 30, 1920 in Leon, Iowa and passed away October 17, 2012 at the age of 92. He was the only son of Earl Goldie Graham and Esther Marie Cramer Graham. Ray spent most of his childhood in Oklahoma City. In high school, he worked for Western Union as a telegraph messenger. In 1936, Ray and a friend rode their bicycles from Oklahoma City to Dallas to attend the Texas State Fair Centennial. In 1937, Ray joined the US Army. He was a bugler in the mounted Calvary; 8th Calvary, F Troop. He was commissioned from Finance Officer Candidate School in August of 1942. After a tour as an instructor, he organized, trained and took the 59th Finance Dispersing Section to Europe in October 1943. Ray was stationed in England prior to D Day, and landed on the beaches of France 12 days following the initial invasion. Ray is a Bronze Star recipient, and retired from the US Army as a Lt. Colonel in October of 1963. Ray was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus #799; the American Legion, Post #0321 and a MOAA – GDC member. Ray served as a Republican Precinct Chairman and Election Judge in the Lakewood area of Dallas for 20 years. Following his military service, Ray joined Family Life Insurance Company in 1963 as a salesman and retired as a Regional Manager in 1988. In 1966, Ray met and married the love of his life, Rosemary Stephenson. They raised a family, traveled the world and shared many adventures together. Ray embraced life; unafraid; never standing on the side lines. He flew the American flag daily. Ray loved his country and considered it a precious gift to be an American. He didn't believe in excuses for himself or others. One of Ray's favorite expressions was, "I thrive on adversity." His positive attitude, sense of humor and love of life were magnetic. He was an avid runner and a pool shark. Ray's tenacity defined him. He taught from example, not from the lips. He was a self-disciplined, self-starting person. Those around Ray were inspired by his strong convictions, and his willingness to live what he believed. He had an uncanny grip on what was the right thing to do and for that, was often sought after for counsel. Ray believed every day was a blessing. He was a kind and loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Ray was a proud convert and devoted Catholic. He was a member of St. Marks Catholic Church and proudly served there as a Eucharistic Minister. Ray loved the Lord and believed in the promises of the cross and the resurrection. While Ray will be missed, we find comfort knowing that he is with our Lord. Ray is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rosemary Stephenson Graham, and their four children: Laurie Graham Wheeler, Suzanne Graham Phistry, Stephen Michael Graham and Raymond Matthew Graham. He is also survived by his son, Raymond Earl Graham Jr., and daughters Shirley Graham Young, Denise Graham Price and Rene Graham Nicholls, and by his sister, Helen Graham Whittle of Stanberry, Missouri and her two daughters, Carolyn Madden and Cheryl Tralinger. Ray was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.