Edward Eugene "Gene" Graham

He graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After spending one year as a student with the Scandinavian Seminar in Storemilda, Norway, he served two years active duty in the US Army Infantry, followed by five years in the US Army Cavalry Reserve.

After working with television stations in San Antonio, Texas, Dayton, Ohio, and New Orleans, Louisiana, he moved to Fort Smith with his family in 1976. He spent the remainder of his career working for the New York Times at KFSM Channel 5 where he retired as President and General Manager in 2000.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he attended the Discussion Class and for years sang in the choir.

Memorial service will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at First United Methodist Church Sanctuary. Family will greet guests in the Narthex of the church following the service.

He was a past member of the Fort Smith Van Buren Advertising Association and a recipient of their Silver Medal Award, past President of the Noon Exchange Club, past President of the Old Fort Museum Board, and a past board member for the Van Buren Center for Art and Education. As a longtime resident of Fianna Hills, he served as President of the Fianna Hills Property Owners Association and as a board member for Fianna Hills Country Club.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Margaret Graham, of the home, his four sons, Troy Graham of San Antonio, Texas, Ed Graham and wife Marta Fonseca of Dubai, Eric Graham and wife Holly of Denver, Colorado, and Steve Graham and wife Ashley of Tyler, Texas; two brothers, Leland Graham and wife Patti of Xenia, Ohio, and Clarence Graham and wife Betty, of Wilmington, Ohio; and seven grandchildren, Ryan, Alyssa, Will, McLaine, Carmen, Jonathan, and Jackson.

Honorary Pall Bearers are the Discussion Class members at First United Methodist Church.

Memorial donations can be made to: Gene and Margaret Graham Scholarship Endowment Fund University of Arkansas, Fort Smith 5210 Grand Avenue Fort Smith, AR 72904 Or First United Methodist Church 200 N. 15th St Ft Smith, AR 72901.