Christopher Fay Graney

Christopher Fay Graney, 93 of Santa Maria, CA, passed away February 26, 2025. Christopher was born November 22, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York to Christopher J. and Alice (Pengry) Graney. Christopher was raised in New York until his family moved to Long Beach, California at the age of 14. He had one sister (1 year older), Margaret. He went to Catholic Schools from Kindergarten to eighth grade. He graduated from Jordan High in 1949 or 1950. He was in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He graduated from Hays State University studying Science and lacked one course of getting his Master's Degree from a Southern California School.



Christopher was stationed at Smokey Hill Air Force Base in Salina, Kansas where he met Ilene Bodge. They were married on May 8, 1954 and were blessed with three children: Dianna, Charles, Linda and two grandsons Curtis and Anthony.



Christopher's teaching career totaled 21 years in the Orcutt Union School District from 1959 to 1980. He was very popular with the students. He taught mostly 7th grade science and later taught some math and art. He started at Orcutt Junior High and transferred to Lakeview Junior High when it opened.



Christopher spent a lot of time outside gathering specimens for his classes. He was also very much interested in photography. He did his own dark room for black and white photography and took slides. He was a member of the Santa Maria Camera Club for many years and a member of the Photo Society of America (PSA). He won many awards plus awards at the Santa Barbara County Fair. He also played basketball until he was 70 years old. Our mom always said that basketball came first and then she was second. He also spent a lot of time with his family.



Christopher was loved by his wife, children and his grandsons. Traveling and camping were enjoyed by the whole family.



Christopher is survived by daughter, Dianna Graney of Santa Maria, son Charles Graney of Oxnard, daughter Linda Richie of Las Vegas, NV; grandsons Curtis Martin of Chowchilla and Anthony Martin of Las Vegas, NV. He also has nieces and nephews including one niece Doris Armour (his sister's) of Santa Ana. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and sister.



The memorial service will be at 10:00 am on Friday, March 21 at the Grace Baptist Church in Santa Maria. There address is 605 E. McCoy Lane, Santa Maria, CA 93455. Church Phone # 805-925-2671. We are having a private burial service before the memorial service.