Willie Graham Jr.

William George Graham, Jr. was born on October 12, 1924 in Imperial, California and was the second child of six siblings born to his parents Mr. William George Graham, Sr. and Mrs. Ardular Cheeks-Graham (both deceased). He married Florine Noble in Springfield, Massachusetts on February 9, 1946. To this marriage, two sons were born, Gregory George Graham (deceased) and Reginald (Reggie) Alan Graham. William was affectionately known as “Bill” to his late wife, “Dad” by his sons, “Papa Bill” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and “Willie” or “Brother Graham” by his friends.

Growing up in Southern California, Willie immediately developed a strong work ethic as one of six children. He picked cucumbers, peaches, and other crops in the Imperial Valley while attending grade school. When he began attending Imperial High School, Willie quickly excelled in a number of sports, including football and track, as well as his academics. In addition, he had numerous friends that he kept in contact with throughout the years after graduating in 1940.

Willie enlisted in the United States Army shortly after graduating high school. He served from 1943 to 1946, with his last post located at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts where he was honorably discharged as a Radar Mechanic Navigator. Willie later joined the United States Air Force (USAF) where he worked hard, moved quickly through the ranks, and traveled throughout the world with his loving family.

His youngest son, Reggie, has a vivid memory of living in Montana, where the winters were extremely cold. In an effort to battle the winters, Willie would leave the engine running on his car to prevent problems that would possibly cause him to be late for work, because anyone who knew Willie, knew that he hated being late. Reggie’s fondest memories were growing up in southern California where he also made life-long friends.

While serving his country, Willie and the family lived all over the world, including Victorville, California, England and France. Besides working to provide for his family, Willie also enjoyed vacationing. He took the family on a European getaway where they visited Germany, East Berlin, the Netherlands, Brussels, and Austria.

As time went on, Willie served in the Vietnam War and was also stationed at Goose Bay, Newfoundland, Japan, Hawaii and Guam. After 27 years of active duty and never missing a day of work, Willie retired as Chief Master Sergeant (CMS) at Travis Air Force Base, California in March of 1973. Holding the rank of CMS as an African-American during that time was rare and Willie was extremely proud to achieve the position.

Retirement only lasted for a few months before Willie began a second career at McClellan Field where he worked in radar as a supervisor. In this position, Willie established more lasting relationships as he encouraged and mentored his staff.

Willie demonstrated a Christ-like and caring spirit that left no doubt that he was a Christian and that he loved the Lord. In fact, his mother taught herself to read from the Bible and disseminated this learning experience down to her children. He would often recite scriptures and he loved King Solomon’s strength, wisdom, and leadership. When Willie and Florine relocated to Sacramento during the 1960s, they united with the Shiloh Baptist Church where the late Rev. Cooke was pastor. Eventually, they moved their membership to the New Testament Baptist Church of North Highlands, where Willie was instrumental in saving the church money as a trustee and in the burning of the first mortgage. One word that Willie never said to anyone, was "no." Those in need of a favor, money, or just to hang out, Willie always said yes. He never hesitated to assist with food distribution, holiday baskets, clothes give-away and transportation.

As a member of the Philomethean Lodge # 2, he served as treasurer, secretary and as a past Worshipful Master. He dedicated his time to the scholarship committee, mentoring his younger lodge brothers, providing transportation for other members, the widow’s fund, as well as visiting those members who were sick.

Throughout their marriage, Florine and Willie had many friends, as such, Florine always found a reason to celebrate and invite friends, church members, study groups and sorority members into their home. These were fun and festive times that Willie became accustomed to and eventually enjoyed as well.

Florine and Willie were very successful in business matters and in their careers. Most importantly, they loved parenting and were instrumental in the lives of Greg and Reggie. They raised their children well and to be passionate about their well-being. They taught them values and ensured that they were never arrested and wanted them to become outstanding citizens. They supported both of their sons in their careers and as each of them became parents. One of their most treasured moments was when Renee Michele Graham was born to Greg and his then-wife Glenda. They loved Renee to the utmost and she traveled with them on cruises, enjoying an illustrious childhood as the first granddaughter. After eight years, Reanna Adia Graham was born to Reggie and Ella, causing their grand-parenting skills to grow to a whole new level, since Reggie and Ella lived in the Bay Area during that time. Reanna made them laugh and completely renewed their joy as grandparents. Unfortunately, Florine died shortly thereafter and Reanna’s relationship with her grandfather truly blossomed. Surprisingly, after another eight years, the third granddaughter was born, Regina Florine Graham. At this point, all of their lives were forever changed. Those who knew Willie, knew he spent thousands of hours with Regina, who is known to some as "The Baby." He spent many years with her after school hours picking her up everyday along with her school friends and taking them to get food. During their after school time, Willie taught Regina how to play a number of card games, while they watched TV shows like “Scooby Doo” and “Murder She Wrote.”

Even after Regina had left for college, Willie still enjoyed watching their favorite shows, despite her absence. He was truly the best grandparent. Willie was so proud of each of his granddaughters, but Regina was his Baby Girl.

During 2013, Willie’s health began to decline. There were numerous doctor visits and brief hospital stays that led to the thought of placing him in an assisted living facility or providing in home care. He would not have any of that. Willie wanted to remain in his own home. Reanna was diligent in the care of her grandfather and she took great care of him, better than any nurse could have ever done. Most people don't know this, but she put her career on hold to take care of Willie and was with him when he passed into eternity on Sunday morning, October 4, 2015.

Thank You does not begin to express our gratitude to you. We can truly say well-done and that we are deeply honored to have had you in our lives. You are forever in our memories: your son Reggie (Ella) of Sacramento, CA; granddaughter Renee Graham-Carnes (David, Sr.) of Elk Grove, CA; granddaughter Reanna Adia Graham of St. Louis, MO; and granddaughter Regina Florine Graham of New York, NY. He also leaves his two, loving great-grandchildren David Jr. and Maya Carnes; Odell Redmond, a nephew whom he raised; step-grandson Kevin; daughter-in-law Denise and her daughters Soniya and Yevette; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.