Lee Graham

MIDWEST CITY - Lee Graham, passionate fighter for social justice, Woody Guthrie fan, bass singer, librarian, football fan, lover of books, great conversationalist, lifelong Oakie, and overall nice guy is no longer with us. At the age of 79, he has peacefully gone home to be with his beloved wife - Charley Sue, brother - Gary, sister – Jewell, father – S.O., mother – Stella, and so many other much loved family members and friends. Lee, my Uncle, was born to an Oklahoma farming family in Frederick with ties to Ardmore. A true Oklahoman, he had diverse family roots stretching as far back to fighting in the Revolutionary War, family members that walked the Trail of Tears, and a grandfather that was an Ardmore lawman. The Graham family values were centered on a Christian ethos, hard work, and education. Lee lived a full life that embodied these values. He was a devout member of the Mayflower Church, a believer in the power of Unions, a contributor to organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center, and an attendee of beautiful gatherings such as the Great Labor Arts Exchange. He never shied away from labor and retired from the Oklahoma Teacher’s Association to follow up with a job working in the Oklahoma State Congress as a legislative proofreader. He used his Master’s Degree in Library Science to the fullest extent possible, was always fond of visiting a library, and treasured public access to information and knowledge. He was lucky in love and had a 40year marriage to his dearest, Charley Sue. They shared a palpable love for each other and a picture of the two of them together was by his side in his final days. Together, they raised their daughter, Jennifer, whom they both so dearly loved. Jennifer married and had twin sons, Bryce and Wade. Lee often spoke of them with great pride, love, and admiration. In his final days, his last wishes were for his grandsons that he so deeply loved. Uncle Lee would call me to talk politics, share stories, and generally let me know that he was thinking about me. We would talk about what was the latest in the news cycle, whether he had eaten any BBQ lately, and chat about life, love, and family. He was smart as a whip, opinionated, compassionate, and could talk for hours. I will miss seeing his name come up on my phone. We will be celebrating his life this Friday, February 24 at 2 PM CST February 24 at Candlewood Chapel at 305 S. Sooner Rd, Midwest City, OK 73011. There will be a reception prior to the service that starts at 12:00 pm with the service following. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 23.

A remote service option will be available by www.fordfuneral.com. If you want to memorialize and honor him, please donate to the Southern Poverty Law Center at https://www.splcenter.org/