Rick Graham 58, Imperial

Aug. 4, 1958 - July 15, 2017

Memorial services for Ricky Leon Graham, 58, of Imperial, will be held at 9 a.m., Saturday, July 29, 2017 in Frye Chapel & Mortuary in Brawley. Rick passed away at home on Saturday, July 15, 2017.

Rick was born on August 4, 1958 in Calexico to Benjamin Graham and Betty Price. Along with his sister Pam, Rick was raised in Imperial, graduating from Imperial High School in 1976. After graduating from high school, Rick worked at Safeway in Brawley for two years. Rick had fond memories of his days at Safeway and the people with whom he had worked. In the summer of 1978 Rick learned from a neighbor that the phone company was hiring operators in the El Centro office. Rick applied and, on July 7, 1978 Rick began working for Pacific Bell as an Operator. During his career with the phone company Rick worked as an Operator, an Installer, a Maintenance Splicer, and a Construction Splicer. At the time of his death Rick had been employed by AT&T for 39 years, having celebrated his 39th anniversary on July 7, 2017.

In 1983 Rick met the love of his life, Ronna Underwood. On March 16, 1985 Rick and Ronna were married and began their life together with their two sons, Gabriel and Brian. In March of this year, Rick and Ronna celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary. Rick enjoyed spending time with family and friends; watching baseball and Nascar; and bowling.

Rick was preceded in death by his stepfather Pat Crow; paternal grandparents, Jesse and Gordy Graham, and maternal grandparents, Wes and Pauline Price.

Rick is survived by his wife, Ronna Graham; sons, Gabe Graham (Lisa) and Brian Graham; sister, Pam Cooke (Danny); father, Benjamin Graham (Sue) and mother, Betty Crow. Brother-in-law, Sam Underwood (Ellen) and sister-in-law, Janet Underwood. His nieces, Erin Underwood, Emily Wolfe (Brendon), and Nicole Cooke. His three grandchildren and the lights of his life were Brian Leon Graham, Jr., Stephannee Lea Graham and Michael Leon Graham.

Rick will be forever young and will remain in our hearts forever.

“Rick, have I told you I love you today? I love you today.”