William E. "B" GRAHAM

GRAHAM, William E. "B", longtime Miami Lakes resident and former president and CEO of The Graham Companies, passed away November 19, 2012 at his home at the age of 60; eight years after being diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's disease. The only son of William and Patricia Graham, he joined The Graham Companies in January, 1975 as assistant to the president after obtaining his business management degree at Florida State University. His responsibilities throughout his career in Miami Lakes, the New Town community his father created in 1962, included managing the company's cattle farm, apartment projects, close work with the Commercial Properties division and serving as president of Miami Lakes Development, Inc., a former wholly-owned subsidiary of The Graham Companies. Graham was named president and CEO of the parent company in 1987 and served in that capacity until 2007 when his illness dictated retirement. He held various executive positions within the building industry including serving as a member of the Executive Board and president of the Builders Association of South Florida, a committee chairman for the Florida Homebuilders Association and an honorary chairperson for the Housing Project for Excellence, Inc. Graham also was active in the community serving as a charter member of The Beacon Council, past president of the South Florida Council - Boy Scouts of America, member of the Miami Action Plan and Young Presidents' Organization, a Trustee Member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, a former member of the Governing Board, South Florida Water Management District and member of the FIU Foundation Board of Directors. He also served as co chair for the United Way annual campaign in Dade County. Bill was well known for his personal warmth and his friendly personality. In his early years he was an avid horseman competing in area competitions. He also enjoyed skiing in Vail, CO and loved his time at the family farm in Albany, GA. After returning to Miami Lakes from college, golf became his passion and he spent many hours in the Bull Pen analyzing the day's round. Together, he and Tracy loved their time on the course, traveling and spending time with their dogs. As his disease progressed Koby, Hunter and Cane provided great therapy for him. Graham is predeceased by William A. Graham (father) and Sandy Graham Younts (sister). He is survived by his wife Tracy, daughter, Andrea Rechichi (Dom) and son, Kristopher. He is also survived by his mother, Patricia; sisters Carol Wyllie (Stu), Cynthia Gordon (Ben), and Elizabeth Martinez (Luis); brother in law David Younts; his uncle Senator D. Robert Graham (Adele) and numerous nieces and nephews. Many thanks to Elsa Duran, Milka Papin and Eva Bassan for their wonderful care during Bill's illness. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, December 10 at 5:30 PM at the Miami Lakes Congregational Church, 6701 Miami Lakeway S, Miami Lakes. Donations in his memory may be made either to First Tee Miami DAGA, 1802 NW 37 Ave, Miami, FL 33125 or to the Alzheimer's Association, Southeast Florida Chapter, P.O. Box 22594, West Palm Beach, FL 33416.