Roland Thomas Graham

Born in White Plains, New York, on February 15, 1937, Roland was the eldest child of Homer and Elsie Graham. He grew up in Yorktown Heights, where he graduated from Yorktown High School in 1955. After he graduated high school, Roland served for four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Laffey, a period he remembered fondly throughout his life. After his military service, he joined the White Plains Police Department, retiring after 22 years as a Captain. Roland went back to school and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Iona College while working full-time with the police department. Following retirement, Roland moved with his family to Raleigh, where he enjoyed a successful second career for over two decades as a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston.

Roland was a man of routine and began each day by reading the paper and solving the crossword while alternating between Cheerios and Golden Grahams for breakfast. He loved cheering on his beloved New York Yankees and New York Giants while enjoying a snack and a Pepsi. Or two. But Roland’s biggest love in life was his family. He coached little league baseball and softball teams, and loved spending time with his four children and eight grandchildren. Roland was fair, honest, loyal, faithful and loving. He had a great sense of humor and always had a twinkle in his eye. He will be dearly missed.

Roland is survived by his children, Mike (Margaret) Graham, Sue Crook, Nicole Velzy, and Tom (Minh) Graham; as well as grandchildren Mark, Sam, Jacob, Annabelle, Isabella, Ethan, Sawyer, and Oliver.

Roland was predeceased by his beloved wife of 38 years, Diana; his parents, Homer and Elsie; his sister, Linda Graham; and his brothers, Glenn Graham and Gary Graham.

The celebration of life will be held at 10:00am on September 16, 2026, at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Raleigh. Visitation will be held directly after the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the USS Laffey Association or the Police Retirees of White Plains Association.