Paul Odell Graham

Paul Odell Graham, 88 years of age, of Story, AR., passed away May 20^th. He was born to Marvin and Iuva Wofford Graham on July 26, 1930 in Rudy, AR.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ann Graham, and two daughters; Paula Couch and husband, Jim of Walhalla, S.C., Kari Clark and husband Stanley of Van Buren, AR., three sons; Michael Graham and wife Wendy of Santa Paula, CA., Scott Graham and wife Tashanna of Fort Smith, AR., and Donald Graham and his wife Lori of Conway, AR.; thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, one sister; Norma Jean Toothaker of Van Buren and one brother; Billy B. Graham and his wife, Jo Ann also of Van Buren.

He is preceded in death by two sisters; Bobbi Gramigna and Mildred (Mitzi) Smith.

Paul attended Van Buren High School and then joined the Air Force. Afterwards, he moved to Southern California where he attended Trade School, and received his lincense in Carpentry. He worked his way up, becoming a superintendent for a large construction company whose projects took him all over Los Angeles County, to Hawaii and then back to Orange County, CA. He later returned to Arkansas where he continued to work in construction and build the family home. He was known as a Master Carpenter and an accomplished craftsman to many that knew him. One of Paul’s projects upon retirement was the supervision of building an addition to the boat marina at Hwy 27 Fishing Village on Lake Ouachita where he and Ann had a vacation home.

Paul and his son-in-law, Stanley, spent many hours fishing for that “big” fish which always got away. He enjoyed family visits with his children and grandchildren. He will be missed dearly.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Warm Hearts Humane Society P.O. Box 535 Mount Ida, AR 71957.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com