William Charles Graham

William “Bill” Graham passed peacefully at home on September 28, 2023. He was a long time Roswell resident and had just turned 86 years old. Officially, he went by William but most people knew him as Bill. While his mom was the only one who ever called him Willy, those who had the honor of knowing him the longest knew him as Billy. Bill was born in Oklahoma City, OK on August 27, 1937 to James William and Ann Laurie Graham. The Graham family moved to Roswell in 1947 where James worked for Tesco Neon Sign Company and Ann worked as a nurse for Dr. Steve Marshall. Bill attended Roswell schools and was a Class of 1955 graduate from Roswell High School. After graduating high school, Bill briefly attended NM State University in Las Cruces and also enlisted in the National Guard. In the early 1960s, Bill began a 42 year career working for Southwestern Public Service (later Excel Energy Company). While he was well prepared for his work career, he probably wasn’t as prepared for the U-turn his life took when he met Alice Porter. On December 27, 1964 they began a marriage that would last over half a century. Bill took great pride working with several community members including Jim Sears and Jimmy Collins to establish the Sierra Volunteer Fire Department in the mid-1970s. Bill was an active member of SVFD for over 2 decades, serving in several capacities including Chief and Assistant Chief. He loved his volunteer military service and was a member of the New Mexico Army Reserve National Guard. As an active member of St. Peter Church, he drove the Sunday morning shuttle, helping others make it to Mass. Bill loved model railroading and was an avid reader. He enjoyed hunting and was an impressive marksman. He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Alice Graham and his daughter Christi Wentland. He is survived by his children Charles Raulerson & wife Tessa, Eric Graham, Damon Graham & wife Betty, Aaron Graham & wife Christy, Devin Graham & wife Priscilla and Karolyn Frazier. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. Bill will be remembered as a devoted husband, a hard working & dedicated father, a well-respected firefighter, an American patriot and a true friend. Pallbearers will be his sons Charles Raulerson, Eric Graham, Damon Graham, Aaron Graham, Devin Graham and Karolyn Frazier. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Sears, Bill Collins, Bill Smith, Jimbo Coll, Stan Taylor, Steve Spencer and Bill Corn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s on Friday October 6, 2023 at 2:00pm, interment to follow at South Park Cemetery. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with William’s (Bill) family at www.andersonbethany.com

William Charles Graham

August 27, 1937 - September 28, 2023