William Henry Graham

As we prepare to celebrate the life of SSGT.William Henry Graham, his memory will be honored at a Celebration of Life on November 22, 2025, at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Dermott, AR at 11:00 AM. Micheal Wolfe, Pastor, Rev. Demetria Ewards, Eulogist. 

William Henry Graham, affectionately known as "Will/Papi", departed this world on November 6, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate deeply within his family and friends. Born on July 19, 1957, in Baxter, Arkansas to the late Margaret Coleman Gammel and Otis Clark , William's life was a rich tapestry woven with threads of adventure, love, and unwavering dedication. His interests outside of his family was camping with his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved to fish and cook fish. Will recently enjoyed playing his music box and that's how he got the name "Hollywood". His passions were feeding the homeless and servicing his church through ministering and teaching Sunday school in his earlier years.

A proud veteran, William served with distinction in the Army Airborne Division for two decades. His military journey was marked by remarkable achievements; he undertook rigorous training at helicopter school, dedicating six years to mastering the art of jumping from helicopters. As his skills flourished, so did his responsibilities. William took on the role of instructor, imparting crucial mechanical knowledge about the legendary Huey helicopters and Black Hawks to the next generation of soldiers. His commitment to service was encapsulated in his spirited mantra, "AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY!"

After retiring from 20 years of military service, William joined the United States Postal Service as a mail handler and skilled mail truck driver. This chapter of his life was not merely a job but a testament to his steadfast work ethic and dedication. His adventurous spirit led him to embrace a new career as a commercial tractor trailer driver, where he and his beloved wife traversed the roads together as a dynamic team for over 21 years. Their journeys across the country created countless memories that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

William's thirst for knowledge was evident; while serving his country, he seized every opportunity for education. He proudly earned his diploma from Big Bend Community College and attained an Associate's degree in San Antonio, Texas, showcasing his commitment to personal growth.

As we reflect on the life of this remarkable man, we recall his strength and love that will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of his family. He is survived by his wife, Loretta Graham of 39 years, son, Antonio Graham, and daughter-in-law, Sharetta Graham, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as well as his daughters, Lakesha Harrell and son-in-law Wakeen Harrell, Sr., of Conyers, Georgia, Minister Tonya Wallace of Griffin, Georgia, and stepdaughter Carrie Morris of Morrow, Georgia. William also leaves behind his sisters, Lillie Bee Edwards and Wayne Edwards of Lake Village, AR, Linda Ridgell of Forrest City, AR, Delma Gammel of Dermott, AR, Nina Faye Stagger of Little Rock, AR, and Janet Emerson and Cecil Emerson of Dermott, AR, along with brothers Frank Gammel of Dermott, AR, Ronnie Graham and Kim Graham of Hot Springs, AR, Donnie Graham and Sherrie Graham of Fort Smith, AR, Larry Gammel and Doris Gammel of Forrest City, AR, Charley Clark and Patricia Clark of Flint, Michigan, Elmer Lee Clark and Linda Clark of San Antonio, Texas, and Allen McGhee of Orange, Texas. A cherished grandfather, William will be remembered by his grandchildren Amonte Mendoza of Thailand, Tamaijanay Boone of Conyers, Georgia, Tilicia Boone of Locust Grove, Georgia, Markeno Boone of McDonough, Georgia, Alexander T. Scott Jr. of Conyers, Georgia, Alexis Boone of Stockbridge, Georgia, Samuel Wallace of Griffin, Georgia, Alexandria Scott of McDonough, Georgia, Sgt. Keshaun Scott of Fort Riley, Kansas, Dmillion Graham of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Justice Graham of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, along with a remarkable eleven great-grandchildren.

William is predeased by sisters: LaShonda Gammel of Pine Bluff, AR, Rebecca White of Jamaica Queens, New York, LouAnn Newman of Flint, Michigan, a brother Jimmy Lee Burl of Dermott, Arkansas; a Grandson Wakeen J. Boone-Harrell of Conyers, Georgia and step-mother Mrs. Althalene Clark of Flint, Michigan

William's familial bonds extended through a cherished network of uncles, including Uncle Willie Lee Coleman and Verline Coleman of Little Rock, AR, and Uncle Odell Clark of Flint, Michigan, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will carry his memory forward.

 William's his final resting place will be at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff, AR. His absence will be felt deeply, yet his influence, wisdom, and warmth will continue to guide and inspire those he loved. May he rest in peace, forever remembered by the legacy of strength and love he forged within the hearts of his family.

May my grandpa rest in peace, but may his memories, strength and love live through our family. We love you Dad/Papi!