William H Graham

William H. “Billy” Graham, Jr., 85, went home to be with Our Lord on November 11, 2016. Billy will be remembered as a friend to everyone he met. He was giving of his time and had a servant’s heart. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.

Billy was born in Houston, TX, where he grew up and attended Austin High School. He joined the Air Force during the Korean War and served our country for 23 years. He met his first wife, Betty, while stationed in Norfolk, VA. They married after a very short engagement and moved home to Houston, TX. During the 48 years of marriage, they had four sons: Billy, Larry, Ken, and Donald. After the passing of Betty, he met the second love of his life, Melony Robbins. They were happily married for 14 years. He helped raise her two children, Kristin and Clayton.

He started his career as an Engineer for the City of Houston and worked on many major projects such as the Gulf Freeway expansion. Later, he became employed at Wilbur Smith & Associates. There he worked on inner-city map technology. He continued his career at Texas Highway Department where he helped develop many projects we know today as Beltway 8, 288 extension and other highway and traffic projects.

Later in his career, he returned to the City of Houston for 32 years where he proudly retired.

His volunteering started in 1960’s as President of Freeway Manor Little League Baseball and started the first Freeway Manor Little League Football program known as the Bulldogs.

Another major area of serving in the community was through Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He began this service while at the Houston Coliseum. This service continued into the mid-80s where he was one of the founders and the first Chairman of Rodeo Express which continues today. He was a life time director serving over 60 years.

He also became involved with the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo where he helped establish the Pasadena Parade Committee and served on many other committees. In 2015, he was recognized “the oldest active member” of the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo. These associations were very important in his life and enjoyed all that came with it.

Billy also brought joy to the community as Santa Claus for many years. Many can remember the nights celebrating Christmas at the Graham’s home. The love of Christmas was shown by opening his heart and home to many. This love was also shown by his visiting hospitals, schools, theaters, and community clubs.

Other loves of his life were his horses, trail riding, and “piddling” around in his barn. One of his favorite things to do, was to mow his pasture on his 1975 Massey Ferguson tractor while talking to God. Like most Texans, Billy enjoyed floating down the Frio River, and enjoying its cool, clear water.

Billy was proceeded in death by parents: Thelma (Van Verth) Graham and William H. Graham; one sister, Jessie Lee Savarino; and first wife, Betty Graham. He is survived by loving wife, Melony Graham, sons and wives: Billy and Marsha, Larry and Tina, Ken and Mary, and Donald and Carol Graham: and step-children, Clayton and Tiffany Robbins and Kristin and Peter Fontana; Six grandchildren and spouses: Kelly and Rory Dennis, Cory and Julie Graham, Chris and Erin Graham, Kimberly and Jason Lafferty, Ashley and Kevin Forrest, Stephanie Graham; six step-grandchildren: Chris and Jennifer Matthews, and Clint Matthews, Audrey, Marie, Avila, and Frances Fontana. Also, survived by eight great grandchildren (Stella, Jackson, Hudson, Copeland, Payten, Caleb, Clint, Kennedy), and one step great grandchild (Cooper). There are also many special relatives and friends. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 16, from 5 pm to 8 pm with services Thursday, November 17, at 2 pm at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, 3NRG Parkway, Houston, TX, 77054 to the Attn. Rodeo Express in the name of Billy Graham for a scholarship in Billy’s name or Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship Fund in the name of Billy Graham at 7601 Red Bluff Rd., Pasadena, Texas 77507.