William Randolph Graham
William Randolph Graham, 89, of Ruston, Louisiana, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, July 20, at his home surrounded by his family. Visitation will be at the Graham home in Vienna, 224 Deer Trail, Dubach, Louisiana, from 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 25. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, July 26, Temple Baptist Church in Ruston with Pastor Dale Oden and Pastor Reggie Bridges on July 26.
A private burial will follow at the Vienna Cemetery.
Bill was born on June 28, 1930, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, to Annabelle and Leon Graham. He graduated from Bogalusa High School and received an athletic scholarship to attend Georgia Tech University. After his freshman year, he transferred to Florida State University where he graduated in 1955. In January of 1955, he met and married the former Linda Lou Colt of Kansas City, Missouri, who was the love of his life.
After college, Bill was drafted into the United States Army from 1955-1957. During his time of service, they were stationed at the White Sand Proving Grounds in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Following his military time he began a career in the insurance business and first located in New York City.
He and Linda started their family in 1956. They have three children, Randy, Tammy and Tanya. Due to advancement in his career, the family relocated in several states including Florida, South Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, California, and Louisiana before choosing to retire in Ruston. After retirement, he became involved with Louisiana Tech University as coordinator of special events for the Athletics Department.
He spent the next twenty years promoting and supporting the university athletic teams. He was also president of the Lincoln Parish Fire Protection District and was instrumental in the completion of the fire station that is now in Vienna. He was a longtime active member of the Ruston Kiwanis Club. He and his family have been long time members of Temple Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and a member of the Senior Adult Men’s Sunday School Class.
His memory will continue through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many relatives, and lifelong friends. He will be rememberedforhislove of family and friends, great sense of humor, and for being an active part of his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Most importantly he instilled in his family to trust in the Lord.
Bill is survived by his wife, Linda, of 64 years; son Randy Graham and wife Sally; daughters Tammy Graham Rome, Tanya Bickham and her husband Dee; nine grandchildren Matthew Graham (Rebecca), Lindsey Graham Avinger (Patrick), Thomas Graham (Maggie), Victoria Rome, Nick Rome (Katie), Gannt Graham, Emaleigh Gatlin (C.J.), Annabelle Bickham, Sophia Rome; thirteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Matt Graham, Thomas Graham, Gantt Graham, Nick Rome, Patrick Avinger, and C.J. Gatlin.
Honorary pallbearers are Dan Reneau, Marvin Green, Jim Oakes, Jimmy Ball, Jewette Farley, Wayne Harris, Tommy Thompson, Danny Tatum, David Cole, and Tim Harrison.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
