aged 77, passed away on April 29, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and love. Born January 24, 1947 in Charleston, WV to the late William (Bill) and Elena (Helen) Graham, he grew up to become a remarkable individual, touching the lives of many through his career, his devotion to family, and his Christian faith.
Tony was nearly a lifelong St. Albans resident, attending elementary school at St. Francis of Assisi and then Charleston Catholic High School for junior/senior high. After graduating from Charleston Catholic in1964, he received his Bachelors in English from Virginia Tech in 1968. He then went on to receive his medical degree in 1972 from West Virginia University, laying the foundation for his lifelong commitment to healing and caring for others.
Tony served in the Navy as a Lieutenant to complete his medical residency and traveled the country. He returned to St. Albans where he and his wife raised 5 children and had a fulfilling career as a family practice physician for nearly 45 years. He was a member of numerous medical associations and took great pride in serving his community. He was well respected among his patients and peers. His patients cherished him not only for his medical skill, but also for his kindness, unwavering dedication to their well-being, and ability to make them smile. He'll be remembered for his quick wit and goofy antics. It was hard to go anywhere in St. Albans with Tony and not run into a patient or family member eager to stop and say hello to "Dr. Graham". Tony's empathy and kind heart expanded beyond his patients as he also loved animals big and small. Strong in his faith in God, Tony attended First Baptist Church as well as St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in St. Albans. He was an avid WVU sports fan and lifetime member of the WVU Alumni Association. He had an extraordinary gift for knowledge and trivia, and loved literature, listening to oldies, watching classic movies, and WWI/ WWII history. He especially loved loudly serenading his kids with musical tunes while they teased him about his passions for thrift shopping, and above all else, Tim Horton's coffee.
He is survived by his children - Katie (Mike), Meggie (Joseph), David (Dina), Diane (Will), Michael (Kristine) and their mother Julie. He was also blessed with 8 grandchildren - Ella, Hunter, Elizabeth, Cole, Carter, Owen, Landry, and Ryan. His love for his family was boundless, and he cherished every moment spent with them, creating laughter and memories that will live on in the hearts of his loved ones forever. He was a great Dad and PaPa. In addition to his family, he leaves behind a community touched by his compassion and patients grateful for his care. He was loved by many and will be missed immensely.
As we bid farewell to Tony, we take comfort in knowing that his legacy of compassion, service, and love will endure for generations to come. May he rest in peace, knowing that he made the world a better place through his remarkable journey. Visitation is open to friends and the public and will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with Rosary at 6:30pm Friday May 10, 2024 at Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, St. Albans. It will be a closed casket event. There will be a service with military honors and funeral rites with Rev. Father Sojan Xavier officiating on Saturday, May 11th at 11:00 a.m. at the Upper Chapel Mausoleum in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Kanawha County Humane Association at 1248 Greenbrier St, Charleston, WV 25311.
https://adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-todayYou may visit Tony's tribute page at
BartlettNichols.com to share memories or condolences with the family.
Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, family owned and located at 409 Sixth Ave., St. Albans is honored to serve the Graham family.
Published by Charleston Gazette-Mail on May 7, 2024.