Charles L. Graham

Charles L. Graham, beloved husband, father, grandfather & great "papa" passed away Tuesday with his family by his side. Charles was a long time resident of the Phoenix area where he built the house he raised his family in for over 50 years. Charles began his career with Carnation Co. in 1941 in Spokane, WA, which later brought him to the Phoenix area. Ater 23 years with Carnation in Phoenix, Charles was promoted to general manager and remained in this position until his retirement in 1983. He was a progressive leader & helped bring the company from bottled milk delivered to your door to the cartons of milk sold on the store shelves today. Charles was also an avid golfer & loyal member of the Arizona Country Club for many years. His love of golf took him from participating in the pro/am to being vice president of the Food Industries Golfers' Assocation, but most importantly he enjoyed golfing with family and friends. Charles was a dedicated season ticket holder and fan of the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona State Sun Devils. He spent many weekends sitting in the stands cheering his teams on with his grandchildren by his side. Although Charles had a very successful career, his true strengths showed through in his love and pride for his family. Charles rarely missed a family meal or holiday where he could be seen sitting back and soaking in the joy his family brought him. Charles was preceded in death by his parents Charles A. & Mildred Graham, wife Frankie Graham, son Roger Graham, & grandson Kevin Graham. He is survived by his daughter Charlene Dennis (Bill), grandson Dale Patton (Amy), granddaughter Shawna Baggs (Kevin), step-granddaughter Lenna Bowman (Jarod) along with four great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn & Megan Baggs, Nathaniel Graham Patton & Max Bowman. Charles will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched and his memory carried on by those he left behind. A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 11:00am at Green Acres Chapel of Light, 401 N. Hayden Rd, Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to RTA Hospice, 1102 E. McDowell Rd, Phx, AZ, 85006 or Alzheimer's Assoc. Phoenix Chapter, 1028 E. McDowell Rd, Phoenix, Az, 85006.