Obituary of Ralph A. Graham

Graham, Ralph A. Rose City, MI Ralph Allen Graham, Jr. age 72, passed away January 10, 2016 at the Villa at Rose City. Ralph was born in Bay City to Ralph and Cecelia Graham on July 26, 1943. His family moved to Selkirk in 1949 where he attended the one-room Red School and later the West Branch High School; graduating from Bay City Handy in 1961. Ralph joined the Michigan State Police in 1968 and served posts in Battle Creek, Lapeer and Manistique; retiring from the West Branch post in 1993. Upon retirement, Ralph obtained his private pilot's license and loved to fly his 182 Cessna with friend Monty Antcliff. Ralph purchased a horse farm in 1986 where he bred and raced standardbred horses, driving more than just a few into the winner's circle. Ralph enjoyed golfing with his partner, Larry Boncher, and also loved to hunt especially with his friends at Tamarack Camp. He was a guide at Paradice Hunt Club for about 4 years. He was also an avid fisherman. Ralph's favorite vacation spot was his deer camp in the Upper Peninsula which he shared with his son. Many late nights were spent there trying to euchre the wives just one more time. Ralph is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Allen (Sheri) of Bessemer, MI; daughter, Gina of Sanford, NC; grandchildren Catherine Brody and family of Lehigh Acres, Fl; Jessica Graham of Eugene, OR; Todd Cardoza (Jessica) and family of East Jordan,MI; Justin Graham of Burlington, VE; and Christopher Morris of Beulah, MI. He also leaves eight great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Nancy Francisco of Boyton Beach, FL; Geraldine Schorn of Grand Rapids,MI, half-sister, Kathy (Ben) D'Arcy of West Branch, MI, half-brother Tim (Sonja) McPeck; sister-in-law, Kathy Layman and brother-in-law, Paul Layman all of Fairview, MI. He leaves many nieces and nephews who will greatly miss "Uncle Sonny". He also leaves his beloved dog, Missy. Ralph was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and enjoyed the old fashioned hymns. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Jim Francisco, sister-in-law, Karen Grant, in-laws, Ernest & Martha Layman; nephew, Michael Grover and several aunts and uncles. Ralph's family wish to thank the staff at the Villa at Rose City and Hospice Advantage who provided kind and compassionate care and also became his friends. You will forever be remembered. A memorial service will be held on January 29, 2016 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 125 W. Main Street, Rose City, with visitation from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00AM, service at 11:00AM with luncheon following in the fellowship hall. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Hospice Advantage, the Alzheimer Association or Trinity United Methodist Church. To sign online guestbook visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Sympathy store items must be sent directly to the family home.