David Lee Graham

David Lee Graham, 93, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, at The Glen in Shreveport, Louisiana, after a long and remarkable life devoted to faith, family, service, music, and the people around him.

Dave was born October 1, 1932, in Monongalia County, West Virginia, the only child of Joe Graham and Mary Stockdale Graham. Born remarkably small and premature in an era when few medical interventions were available, his mother famously used a shoebox as his first crib. From that unlikely beginning came nearly 94 years of life filled with accomplishment, adventure, laughter, and deep devotion to those he loved.

Dave proudly served his country for 23 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant at Barksdale Air Force Base in 1976. His military career included service in Vietnam from August 1968 through July 1969 and in Guam in 1970. In June 1969, he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service, a distinction reflecting the dedication and professionalism he brought to his years of military service.

After retiring from the Air Force, Dave continued his education at Centenary College, where he earned his teaching degree and certification. He went on to teach young people in juvenile detention, extending his lifelong commitment to service into the classroom and offering patience, structure, and encouragement to students who needed all three.

At the center of Dave’s life was his family. He married Ann Fitzpatrick Graham on May 12, 1956, and together they shared an extraordinary 70 years of marriage. Their life together was marked by loyalty, companionship, faith, and a deep commitment to family. They raised three sons, Randy Graham, Ronnie Graham, and Rusty Graham, and built a home that became a place of constancy and welcome for generations.

Music was another important part of Dave’s life. He played six-string guitar in a bluegrass group known as The Bluegrass Buddies, and the group recorded an album titled Gospel Notes. He was also a proud member of the Galvez chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, closely followed Penn State wrestling and football, and enjoyed traveling. Over the years, Dave and Ann visited 50 states and 17 countries, gathering a lifetime of experiences and stories along the way.

Dave was intelligent, funny, compassionate, and deeply interested in the lives of the people around him. He had the rare ability to speak with a stranger as though they were an old friend. He held a deep reverence for family histories and stories from generations gone by and took pleasure in passing them along. He celebrated the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, supported their dreams, felt their hurts deeply, and never hesitated to help when someone he loved needed him. Besides his three sons, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among his greatest sources of pride and joy.

Above all, Dave was a man of faith. He sought to live by the example of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to be the hands and feet of His love and compassion here on earth. His life was marked by generosity, humility, service, kindness, and selfless love for others. His family draws comfort from the knowledge that he is now whole and free, reunited with beloved family members and the many good friends who went before him into glory.

He will be remembered for playing guitar, telling stories, lighting up a room with his smile and sense of humor, making his famous peanut butter pancakes, and offering the kind of steady, dependable presence that made people feel safe and loved. For his family, Dave and Ann’s home was more than a house. It was a place where children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered throughout their lives. Within the walls of their home of 48 years lived the childhood memories of three generations.

Dave’s quiet strength and consistent kindness helped make that home a refuge, and his influence will continue through the generations who learned from his example.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Ann Fitzpatrick Graham; his three sons, Randy Graham (Shirley), Ronnie Graham (Kathryn), and Rusty Graham (Sharon); his grandchildren, Joe Graham, Ashley Graham, Aaron Graham, Makaela Graham, Taylor Graham, Olivia Graham Rodriguez, and Elijah Graham; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Graham and Mary Stockdale Graham, as well as numerous friends and extended family members.

A service celebrating Dave’s life will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Hill Crest Memorial and will be officiated by Pastor Billy Crosby.

Pallbearers will be Randy Graham, Ronnie Graham, Rusty Graham, Joe Graham, Aaron Graham, and Elijah Graham. Honorary pallbearers are Doug Still, Tim Snell, and Wade Jones.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Debra Wood, Josie Smith, and Karen Shultz for their kindness and care.

After 93 years of life, 70 years of marriage, 23 years of military service, a second career in education, and generations of family who loved him dearly, David has gone home. He will be deeply missed until we see him again.