Gary J. Graham

Gary J. Graham, 80, of Oak Forest (Center Twp.), Greene County, Pa. died unexpectedly at 8:22 pm, on Thursday, January 25, 2024, in the WHS Greene emergency room, Waynesburg, Pa.

He was born April 29, 1943 in Olean, N.Y., a son of the late James Theodore Graham, Sr. and Mildred Dorothy Halsen Graham and had resided in the state of Oklahoma prior to moving to Center Twp. in 1995.

Mr. Graham was a welder and dedicated member of Local 798 Pipeliners Union for over 64 years, and was also a member of Local 450 Operating Engineers of Houston, Texas, and was a pipeline welder inspector for several companies.

He was a welder for several private contractors in Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Panama, Scotland, England, Holland, Canada, Alaska, Spain, Mexico and every state in the United States.

He was a rodeo bull rider for over 25 years prior to the establishment of the PBR Association and eventually became a life member of the Professional Bull Riders Association in Colorado Springs, CO.

Mr. Graham was also a member of the Moose Lodge and was a member of the former Elks Lodge, both in Waynesburg, and enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, traveling and visiting flea markets.

On July 4, 1990 he married Beverly June Fordyce who survives.

Also surviving are children, Tammy Sue Smith, Lesa and Jamie Graham, all of Olean, NY; a step-son, Michael (Shannon) Shuman of Graham, Texas; two step-grandchildren, Gavin and Jenna Shuman; a brother, James T. Graham, Jr., companion of Phyllis Beekhorn, of Olean, NY.; a nephew, Scott Graham; two nieces, Sean Kenyon and Shane Huver.

Friends and family will be received from 2-9 PM on Monday in the Kesterson-Rush Funeral Home, LLC, Rogersville, Pa. where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 11:00 am.   Interment will follow in Rosemont Cemetery, Center Twp.

Please view and sign the online tribute wall at www.kestersonfh.com.