Gary Lee Graham

Dateline: Orange Grove, Texas Gary Lee Graham Sr., aged 70, passed away on November 5, 2024, in Corpus Christi, TX. Born on December 19, 1953, Gary dedicated his life to public service and community engagement, leaving a significant impact on everyone he encountered. Gary's career was marked by over two decades in law enforcement, including a notable tenure as Chief of Police in Orange Grove. He was a pioneer in emergency medical services in the area, founding the Volunteer EMS and playing a crucial role in establishing the 911 program. His commitment extended to education as he spent many years as an EMS Instructor at Roberson's EMS Academy. Following his law enforcement career, Gary contributed significantly to the Lion's Eye Bank of Texas at Baylor College of Medicine and later served as a Death Investigator for the Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office until his retirement in 2020. Beyond his professional life, Gary was deeply involved in his community, reestablishing Boy Scout Troop 32 and volunteering at the Orange Grove Volunteer Fire Department for over 35 years. His passion for service was paralleled by his love for hobbies such as fishing, amateur radio, fishing, photography, fishing, and radio-controlled planes. He was affectionately known as PawPaw Fisherman and PawPaw Claus to those who loved him most. Gary was a devout member of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Orange Grove, where he spent many years of faithful worship. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Janet Graham, and their nine children: Anthony (Yvette Evy) Graham, Julia (Jacob) Alaniz, Rebecca (Gabriel) Solano, Clarice (LeRoy) Bueno, Benjamin (Jessica) Graham, Theresa Graham, Gary (Christina) Graham, Veronica (George) Salinas, and Jessica (Robert) Graham. Eighteen grandchildren: Grandsons, Christopher and Bryan Alaniz; Michael, Brandon, and Ian Solano; Damien and Caleb Bueno; Matthew and Nicholas Graham; and Lionel Salinas; Granddaughters, Audrey Graham; Allison, Caitlyn, and Melanie Alaniz; Emily, Kiera, and Mikayla Bueno, and Mia Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents, John A. Graham and Beatrice A. Graham. The Holy Rosary will be recited at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Orange Grove, TX, on November 7, 2024, at 7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the same location at 10 AM on November 8, 2024. Gary Graham Sr. will be remembered as a pillar of his community, a devoted family man, and a passionate servant to the public. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him and benefited from his lifelong dedication to service. He was also a fisherman. “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gary Lee Graham

December 19, 1953 - November 5, 2024