TAYLOR SPRINGS, Ill. — Rodney Gene Graham,

71, of Taylor Springs, Illinois, passed away on April 21 , 2022 at Montgomery Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, with his significant other, Mindy, by his bedside.

He was born in December 1950 in Fayetteville, Ark., to Ted Gene and Kathryn (Williams) Graham. Rod is survived by one sister, Nancy Natividad and her husband Mike of Bella Vista; many nephews, nieces, and cousins; his long-time significant other, Mindy Mathenia; her sons, Bryan and Kyle; and her grandchildren, Marcus, Tori, and Charlie.

Rod graduated from Springdale High School in 1968. He attended the University of Arkansas and the University of Idaho, and graduated from Boise State University in Nursing. Rod served as a registered nurse for over 30 years, specializing in ICU and cardiology. Although a Type I Diabetic for 57 years, he thoroughly enjoyed sailing, hiking, photography, archery, gardening, reading, and nurturing a wide variety of pets. His photography won many awards. He was a great conversationalist, and will remain forever undefeated at Trivial Pursuit. Rod’s family, friends, and coworkers will miss him greatly.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 12 p.m. at the Sisco Funeral Chapel in Springdale. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the Sisco

Funeral Chapel, with burial in Friendship Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rod’s name may be sent to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), 11324 Arcade Dr., Little Rock, Ark., 72212; or the American Heart Association, 108 E. Sunbridge, Fayetteville, Ark., 72703.

Online condolences may be left at: www.siscofuneral. com.