Gary Dale Graham's Obituary
Gary Dale Graham, 77, of Memphis, Texas, passed away on November 8, 2025.
Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Thursday, November 13, 2025 in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley, Texas with Rev. Anthony Knowles, officiating. Viewing will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the funeral home with the family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00-6:00 PM.
Arrangements are under the care of Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.
Born on January 14, 1948, in Memphis, Texas, to Lester and Ruby Oakley Graham, Gary was a 1966 graduate of Memphis High School and later attended Clarendon Junior College.
In the Summer of 1964, Gary met Nita Bailey at Fowler’s Swimming Pool in Memphis. They were united in marriage on February 1, 1969, at the First Baptist Church in Hedley, Texas. They made their home in Bushland, Texas, where Gary was employed for 40 years with the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. Working in the beef cattle department with veterinarians and nutritionists, his job entailed all aspects of caring for cattle. For 36 of those years, Gary also served as the after-hours caretaker of the Research Center Farm, mentoring many students and graduates who became lifelong friends. While in Bushland, he was a member of Bushland Baptist Church and had also served on the school board in the 1980's at Bushland school.
After his retirement in January 2008, Gary returned to Memphis, where he was well-known and recognized for driving around town in his 1973 Red and White Ford truck.
Above all, Gary will be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted "daddy," and a proud "Poppy."
He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Wynema “Sissy” Thweatt of St. Jo, TX; his nephew, Heath Spruill, also of St. Jo, TX; and his sister-in-law, Brenda Driver Graham of Claude, TX.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Nita; his darling daughter, Melissa Henderson and husband Nathan of Amarillo, TX; his grandson, Braxton Henderson of Amarillo, TX; and his granddaughter, Natalie Henderson of Columbia, Missouri. He is also survived by his brother, Keith Graham of Clarendon, TX; his sister, Rita Legate of Clarendon, TX; and many nieces and nephews.
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