Terrence Lee Graham, age 72, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 29, 2019. He was born in Corning, NY on September 24, 1947 to the late Paul N.W. and Grace Link Graham. Also preceding him before his death was his brother Edgar Earl Graham. Terrence (or Terry as he was known to his family and friends) will be deeply missed by his loving wife Madge Yang Graham; sister Jeannette Graham Stiteler; brother Paul N.L. Graham; sister-in-law Kathy Graham; nieces Patricia Graham Swenson and Jennifer Graham-Engeland; nephews William Stiteler III and Jeremy Graham.
Terry will be remembered for his intellect, contributions to plant science and as an excellent educator. He received a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biochemistry from Penn State University and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Biochemistry from Purdue University. After 2-years of Post-Doctoral training at the University of Wisconsin, in 1977, he joined the Monsanto Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri. He was quickly promoted from Group Leader up to Research Manager/Senior Science Fellow. He worked on a variety of projects involving plant pest control by employing chemical and biotechnology approaches.
Thereafter, from 1986 to his retirement in 2012, he enjoyed working as a faculty member in the Department of Plant Pathology at Ohio State University. While there, he was promoted from an assistant, to an associate and finally to a full professor. He also worked as an Associate Chairperson (from 1996-2000; 2010-2011). Until his passing, after his retirement, he maintained honorary status as a Professor Emeritus at the Ohio State University. In addition to his departmental engagement, he also played key roles campus-wide and state-wide in the plant biotechnology program and consortium. He taught and co-taught cornerstone graduate courses and carried out research with extramural funding on the molecular basis of plant disease resistance and natural products. Through this capacity, he educated, trained, mentored and advised numerous graduate and undergrad students. In addition to his love of teaching and research, in his spare time, Terry enjoyed classical music, genealogy, wild flowers and exotic plants, gardening, photography fossil and mineral collections.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or WOSU Public Media. Family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00pm on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 2:00pm. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.1