Robert T. Graham

Born on March 22, 1942, in Nashville, Tennessee, Bob was the son of Martin and Christine Graham. He was born and raised in Nashville, graduated from Father Ryan High School in 1960, and proudly served in the National Guard. Bob spent many decades in the commercial printing industry and retired from Dixie Graphics. He was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and belief in doing every job the right way.

At age 67, just months before he retired, Bob suffered a major stroke. The stroke changed what Bob was able to do, but it did not change who he was. He had to give up golf, something he had always enjoyed playing, but he recovered well enough to return to many of the things he had always done, like yard work and keeping busy around the house. Through it all, his love for his family, his faith, his sense of humor, and the values he lived by never changed.

Bob was a devoted Catholic and a longtime member of St. Henry Catholic Church, where he and Margaret worshipped together for many years. His faith was an important part of how he lived and how he treated others.

Bob and his beloved wife, Margaret, shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a loving home and raised three children, Kevin, Misty, and Shannon. His love and devotion to Margaret were evident throughout their marriage. Nothing made Bob happier than spending time with his family and watching it grow to include seven grandchildren, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

After retiring, Bob learned upholstery from someone who had been doing it for many years, and before long, he became known for the quality of his own work. Friends and referrals kept him busy until other health issues and age eventually led him to step away.

Bob believed in the values of a simpler time. Hard work, honesty, respect for others, love of his country, and keeping your word were not just things Bob believed in. They were the way he lived. One of his favorite sayings was, “The main thing is the main thing.” Bob had a quick wit and was known for his one-liners, along with the simple magic tricks he loved to pull out around the family. Every year at the family Christmas gathering, everyone knew his favorite dollar bill trick was coming, and they looked forward to it anyway.

Bob loved sports and rarely missed a big game on television. He faithfully followed University of Tennessee athletics and the Atlanta Braves, but he enjoyed watching just about any sport. Once he learned how to record games, he started saving several each day so he could skip the commercials and watch one game after another throughout the evening. Still, few things made Bob smile like hearing “Rocky Top.”

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Margaret Graham; his children, Kevin Graham, Misty Graham and her longtime partner, Preston Gray, and Shannon Riggan and her husband, Paul; his cherished grandchildren, Maggie Munday, Katie Munday, Rachel Munday, Sam Riggan, Drew Riggan, Zac Riggan, and Sarah Riggan; his twin brother, Charles “Bud” Graham; his sister, Anna Coleman; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Christine Graham, and his brothers, Martin “Marty” Graham Jr. and Louis “Lou” Graham.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Henry Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass celebrating Bob’s life will follow from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the new chapel. Following the Mass, family and friends are invited to gather for a reception in Fellowship Hall from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Henry Catholic Church located at 6401 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205.