R. Ray Graham

WEST AUGUSTA – Russell Ray Graham died peacefully Saturday (May 27, 2023) in the home of his son Lewis, on the very farm where he was born 92 years ago.

Ray was born April 20, 1931 in West Augusta and was a son of the late Edward and Mabel (Armstrong) Graham.

He was a life-long farmer, retiring from Holly Hill Farm in Mount Sidney, and also worked in logging for 25 years. He was a member of Waynesboro Advent Christian Church, and served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years at Ray Memorial Advent Christian Church. He was a wonderful husband, father and granddad. His family was important to him and he had a vast knowledge of his family’s history. He was a humble and Godly man who never met a stranger.

Surviving are his sons, Lewis Graham (Erica) of West Augusta and Bill Graham (Kathy) of Roanoke; grandsons Luke and Caleb Graham of West Augusta; sister-in-law Barbara Robson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Catherine Wall (Serrett) Graham on March 8, 2023; and also by brothers Ernest, Grant, Roy and Edward Jr.; and sisters Violet Alexander, Chris Edwards, Frances Temple and Fay Polhill.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 31 in the chapel of Bear Funeral Home, with Larry King and Chaplain Dennis Taylor officiating.  Burial will follow in Deerfield Community Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m. Friends may also call at the home of Lewis and Erica Graham, 93 Tims Draft Lane, West Augusta.

The family wishes to express appreciation to Augusta Health Hospice and to caregivers Caleb Graham, Bonnie Graham and Sandy Desper for their compassionate care.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Shenandoah, c/o Augusta Health Foundation, PO Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at bearfuneralhome.com.