Charles S. Graham Jr.'s Obituary
GRAHAM, JR., CHARLES S. was born September 27, 1927 in Denton County, Texas. Died December 5, 2013 in Richardson, Texas at age 86. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Peggy Graham, as well as his parents, Charles Graham Sr. and Minnie Lee Fuller. He is survived by his sons, Gordon and his wife Laura of Spring, TX as well as granddaughter, Lindsey and her fiance’ Heath Quinn and great granddaughter, Levi Jo of Magnolia, Texas; his grandson, Steven Graham who also resides in Spring, Texas. He is also survived by his son, Geoff Graham whose loving care made such a difference in Charles’s later life. Sister in law, Wanda Stewart and her husband John of Denton, Texas and his niece, Vicki Meyers and her husband Gary of Denton, Texas. Great niece, Kimberly Lassiter, her husband Jason and their children James, Jackson and Abigail of McKinney, Texas. Charles is also survived by his step sister, Patsey Salyer of Georgetown, Texas, her sons, Greg, Rob and Steve and many other family and friends. Charles grew up during the depression with many close friends, one of whom was Peggy Lockhare, whom he later married. He once said “She was the prettiest girl he had ever seen.” He was a trombone player in the Denton High Band, something his son Geoff would later take up and play in high school and The University of Texas Longhorn Band. Charles graduated in 1944 and joined the U.S. Maritime Service where he served as a radio operator on Liberty ships in the final year of WWII. He married that pretty girl, Peggy, in 1950 after receiving his draft notice. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950-52 where he was stationed with the occupation forces in Japan. He used the G.I. bill to go to North Texas State, upon his return to civilian life. Charles eventually joined Collins Radio which merged with Rockwell International and worked there until his retirement. He was an avid fan of the Berkner Rams when his sons were in high school as well as the Dallas Cowboys. Some of his sons fondest memories were going to the old Cotton Bowl to watch games. He enjoyed camping and travel with his family and visiting with his life long friends and neighbors, Buck and Wilma Williams. He was passionate about woodworking and photography, many times being mistaken for a professional photographer. He was very interested in electronics leading to the first color TV set in his family which he built out of a kit. As a member of “The Greatest Generation”, Charles was a quiet and unassuming man with many talents and left a great impact on this life and his family and friends. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at Restland Memorial Park, Chapel Gardens. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at Restland Funeral Home.
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