Bruce Graham

Bruce Riley Graham, Jr. went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 1, 2013.

Bruce was born on August 10, 1932 in Madline, West Virginia. He moved to Bastrop, Texas with his mother and two brothers at the age of 14. He was a graduate of Bastrop High School and it was there that he met the love of his life, Darlene Patterson. Bruce enlisted in the Navy on October 1, 1950 and, while in the service, he married Darlene on February 28, 1953. Bruce served aboard the U.S.S. Estes during the Korean War and was also part of the Hydrogen Bomb Project, Operation Ivy at Enewetak Atoll. He received the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Medal. In 1954, Bruce was injured and was required to retire (as disabled) from the Navy. After Bruce left the Navy, he and Darlene settled in Houston and, after two years at the University of Houston, he began a nearly 30 year career in sales and management in the Medical Supply business. After raising their 4 children, Bruce and Darlene then "retired" back to the Bastrop area - settling in on a place that met his great loves in life - a place on the Colorado River (in Smithville) where he could fish, raise a large vegetable garden, watch his beloved University of Texas Longhorn football team, and most of all - a place for the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to run and play. Not content to be completely retired, Bruce began a "second career" with the Smithville Police Department as a communications officer. During his 15 years with the Smithville Police Department, he both worked as Dispatcher and managed the Communications Operations and was named "Employee of the Year" numerous times. Eventually, he retired for the second time and devoted his time and energy to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bruce offered unconditional love to all of his family.
To all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was their beloved "GaGa".

Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Riley Graham, Sr., mother, Belva Reed, son Phillip Graham, and brother, Gene R. Graham, and sister, Anne Marie Graham.

He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 60 years, Darlene, son Greg D. Graham and wife Renee, son Bruce J. Graham and wife Peggy, daughter Rhonda G. Janak and husband Ronald, and son Todd R. Graham and wife Donna. Bruce is also survived by brothers Robert L. Graham, Ernest Graham and wife Carol, Jerry Graham, and Jessie (Ike) Graham and wife Sissy, and sisters Daisy Abbott and husband Ed, and Darlene Angle and husband Gary.
Bruce (GaGa) is also survived by granddaughters Rebecca K. Graham and fiancAC.e Jarrod Mason, and Lacey D. Lundgren and husband Dennis as well as grandsons, David Christopher Hashaw and wife Erica and Jonathan R. Graham. In addition, he is survived by a great-granddaughter, Payton Hashaw and great-grandsons Lane Lundgren and Riley Hashaw. He is additionally survived by numerous nieces and nephews to whom he was the beloved "Uncle Bruce".

Those that knew the man will remember that he always had a smile on his face, a kind word for everyone, and a helping hand for anyone in need. If you knew Bruce, then you knew that he loved children and they just adored him.
Our loss is Heaven's gain!

Visitation is from 4:00 to 8:00 Monday evening, November 4, 2013, at All Faiths of the Pines Funeral Home.

Services will be at First Baptist Church of Smithville at 2:30 on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 with Brother Mike Murphy officiating. Graveside services will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Bastrop.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Smithville Veterans Memorial Park - a place to honor those that put their life on the line in defense of our country and our freedom. The on-line link to donate is http://www.ci.smithville.tx.us/Soldier-s-Angels/Donate.aspx or you may mail donations to:
City of Smithville, Veterans Memorial Park Fund, 317 Main St., Smithville, Texas 78957

Arrangements by All Faiths of the Pines, 110 American Legion Rd., Smithville, Texas 78957, 512-237-3836.