Vernia “Vernie” Ray Graham was born on January 27, 1926 in Alex, Oklahoma - the 10th child of Josiah R. C. Graham and Maggie May Baker. He left this world from Bedford, Texas on July 13, 2024 for a new life in heaven.

Vernia grew up and went to school in the small town of Amber, Oklahoma. Upon graduation from high school in 1944 he immediately enlisted into the U. S. Navy. A World War II veteran, he served as an anti-aircraft gunner in the Pacific Theater of Operations in 1944 and 1945. Vernia was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946.

It was also in 1946 that Vernia married the love of his life - Dorothy Imo Hodge. Dorothy and Vernia met while he was on leave from the Navy visiting his sister. It was love at first sight and soon after his discharge, vows were exchanged in Coolidge, Arizona. Work was hard to find after the War and the two of them moved to and established their home in Chickasha, Oklahoma where they became a family. Vernia and Dorothy were joined by two sons – first by Richard and a few years later by Gary. The Grahams were a happy family who enjoyed fishing, boating, and camping. Especially memorable were the camping and water-skiing trips to Lake Texoma. Vernia and Dorothy also enjoyed gardening. Vernia was a true green thumb whose gardening skills were renowned. The garden always produced a bounty and the two of them then spent hours preserving enough food to feed not only themselves but also friends and family.

While making a home, Vernia simultaneously began his career in the service station business – first as a hired hand and then as an owner when he purchased and established Graham’s Savmor Service. During his over 40 years in business, Vernia owned or operated numerous stations in and around Chickasha. He loved his work mostly because he was interacting with people. Without fail, Vernia met his customers with a smile insuring them of personalized, one-stop service. The work was long and hard, but Vernia was always ready for a good joke or laugh. In addition to his service station work,

Vernia held leadership positions in his church and was active in local civic organizations notably the local Lion’s Club.

Health issues forced Vernia into semi-retirement but he never let them slow his down as he continued to garden and volunteer. He took special pleasure in his time working at the local hospital and his church. Vernia loved children. He doted on his great-grandchildren cheering for them in all their activities and he could not have been happier than when the neighborhood kids adopted him as a surrogate grandpa.

When Dorothy became ill, Vernia’s attention shifted to that of being a caregiver. Never was his love of Dorothy more evident as he cared for her. For over five years, Vernia was Dorothy’s primary care giver providing her nursing care up to and including in-home dialysis. Dorothy passed away in 2005. They had been married 59 years.

Now alone, Vernia threw himself more into volunteer work. It was while volunteering that Vernia met Maye Doss. They soon hit it off as both were always in good spirits and enjoyed serving others. They were married in 2008 in Chickasha. Maye and Vernia were an active, fun couple and participated in local volunteer organizations. After only two short years of marriage, however, Maye passed away.

In 2016 Vernia moved to a senior living facility in Oklahoma City. No rocking chairs for him. With his infectious smile and good humor, Vernia was soon the hit of the party. When he found out no one played dominoes, he formed a domino club and he was always the first on the bus for field trips or to dine out. He was designated an “Ambassador” welcoming and assisting new residents. During COVID, Vernia re-located to another facility in Texas to be nearer to his family living there. Never slowing down, Vernia enjoyed life to the fullest endearing himself to his new neighbors and staff alike. The staff at his new home were soon lovingly referring to him as “Papa”.

Following a series of hospitalizations in 2024, Vernia entered into Hospice. He died peacefully in his apartment in the presence of family members. Husband, Father, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Papa, or Friend. No one epitomized the term “Christian Gentleman” more than did Vernia Ray Graham.

Vernia Ray Graham is survived by Son Richard and his wife Georganne; Son Gary and his wife Beverly; 4 grandchildren: Tiffany, Randall, Scott, and Kate; and 5 great-grandchildren: Jake, Joe, Ike, Henry, and Ruby.

A Celebration of Life service is to be held at the Bible Baptist Church in Chickasha on August 24th at 1:00 PM. Inurnment is to follow at the Fair Lawn Cemetery in Chickasha.