Gary R. Graham

Gary Rupert Graham, 67, died after a lengthy illness in Mobile, Alabama. Gary was born to the late Warren and Madge Graham in Mexico, MO on October 30,1945. He graduated from the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Mo. in 1963 as the valedictorian of his class and with numerous honors. He also graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He graduated in only 3 ½ years in a program that normally takes 5 years in 1966. He was at the top of his class and also attained numerous honors at that highly acclaimed university. He received his Masters degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and remained an avid "Sooner" fan all his life. Gary served honorably in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant stationed primarily in Oklahoma. In 1966 Gary married the late Beth K. Fleischmann in Wichita, Kansas. Beth predeceased Gary after a long battle with multiple Sclerosis in 1986. Gary is survived by his two devoted sons, Brian "Russ" Graham of Memphis, Tennessee and Josh Rupert Graham of Fairhope, Alabama. Josh and his wife Misty have two children, son Cullen and daughter Bryce. Gary is also survived by his brother Tony Graham of Tulsa, Oklahoma and his two daughters, Sarah and Courtney. Gary's parents, Madge and Warren, predeceased him in Baton Rouge, Louisiana the city Gary considered home for over 40 years. After his education and Army service, Gary and Beth moved to Baton Rouge where he worked as an engineer for Exxon Oil for almost 10 years. He then became one of less than 100 Marine Chemists in the United States working for Delta Laboratories based in Baton Rouge. Gary was a member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church. When the weather did not permit him to fish he loved to play bridge. He was a member of the Baton Rouge Bridge Club, where you could often find him directing matches. He became a Gold Life Master accumulating over 3000 Masters points. Gary was greatly admired and respected by his friends, co-workers, fellow bridge players and his fellow students throughout his education including his brothers at Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He enjoyed the love of his family and always enjoyed fishing with his sons at any time and especially at family reunions. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, on Wednesday, May 1, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by a funeral service Thursday, May 2, at 2 p.m. Burial to follow.