Bill B. Graham

Bill B. Graham was born October 17, 1924 in Cleveland, Oklahoma. He was the son of Frank and Edyth (Berry) Graham. Bill was raised and received his education in Cleveland, graduating from Cleveland High School in 1943.

Shortly after graduation, Bill enlisted into the service of his country in the United States Merchant Marines. He served three enlistments, transporting soldiers and supplies in support of the war effort; traveling to both the European and Pacific Theatres during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge from the Merchant Marines, Bill returned to Cleveland and received training in air conditioning and refrigeration at Okmulgee VoTech under the G. I. Bill.

Bill later joined the United States Army and served an enlistment before again returning to Oklahoma; he was later recalled to active duty in the Army serving during the Korean Conflict. During his enlistments in the Army, Bill received the following decorations and citations, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon, Army Occupation Ribbon, Japan Victory Ribbon with one Overseas Service Bar, and the Korean Service Medal. Upon his honorable discharge, Bill returned to Cleveland, initially accepting employment for Paul Bachmann, servicing appliances. He later began working in the service department of Brown Dunkin in Tulsa, servicing appliances, refrigerators, washers and driers.

Over the next few years, Bill began taking private pilot lessons at the Harvey Young Airport in Tulsa. After receiving his private pilot license, Bill continued to accumulate flight hours and training ultimately receiving his instrument and commercial licenses. He then accepted employment as the corporate pilot for Osage Oil and Transportation, flying executives all over the United States. During this time he also received his flight instructor's license and began providing private pilot training at the Cleveland Airport as part of Osage Aviation.

Bill was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Chuch in Cleveland. After his retirement, Bill devoted much of his time as a handyman at the church, repairing anything in the need of repair. Additionally, he served as a lay leader at the church. Bill enjoyed spending time outdoors and most of his hobbies centered around being outside. He was a motorcycle enthusiast for many years and also enjoyed archery. His favorite pasttime was playing golf. He played many rounds of golf with his brother-in-law, Dick Swan at the local Keystone Golf Club.

Bill passed away on Friday, May 23, 2008 at the St. John Medical Center in Tulsa at the age of eighty-three. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Graham; a son, Berry B. Graham; sister and her husband, Lynette and Dick Swan; and a niece, Dani Lin Partin.

He is survived by two nieces Debi Swan Boyles of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Dixie Lee Woolery of Benton, Arkansas and their families; and a daughter, Linda Jean Esley of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one grandson, Bradley Holtzclaw of Tulsa; numerous other friend and relatives.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church in Cleveland with Rev. Connie Taylor officiating. Burial will be at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the First United Methodist Church in Cleveland.