Edward Craig Graham

Edward "Craig" Graham, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a devoted member of the community, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born on February 29, 1936, in Houston, Texas, to Roy Edward and Eva Mae Graham. Craig spent his formative years in his beloved Buffalo, Texas, where he lived with his grandparents and completed his high school education. It was while attending high school in Buffalo that he met his sweetheart and future wife, Pauline Jones.

An alumni of the University of Houston, Craig earned his Bachelor's Degree in business and began as a salesman for a construction manufacturer in Houston, selling bricks for houses and commercial buildings. After moving with Pauline and his daughters to Buffalo, he worked for his father-in-law, mowing the highways and interstate. He continued this for many years, while at the same time he and Pauline joined in operating a cattle ranch on the Jones property in Buffalo. At its peak they managed over one hundred cows, five bulls, and many calves. Together he and Pauline also started a photography business and took countless photos of weddings, proms, livestock shows, and special events all over Leon county and surrounding areas. Craig was also a proud member of the National Guard, where he was part of the Tank Battalion. He served two terms as County Commissioner in Leon County. In both his professional and personal life, his sense of humor and joyful personality were his hallmarks. Everywhere he went, he quickly made friends with those around them by making them smile and laugh with his incredible sense of humor. 

Craig was deeply devoted to his faith in God and his church community. He joyfully served every Sunday at Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher for over fifty years and fulfilled the role of a lay minister. He was a pillar of the church during the many decades he served. His humor, kindness, and knowledge of the Bible brought joy and comfort to the church community weekly. He had impeccable attendance, only missing service once a year to present the message at Siloam’s memorial service.

A devoted family man, Craig cherished not only his wife, Pauline Graham, but also his two daughters, and their families. In his beloved role of “Papa” he attended countless dance recitals, school events, and ball games and was always their biggest fan in the crowd. He had nicknames for all of his grandkids and great-grandkids and delighted in making them laugh. Buffalo was always home to Craig, and the Graham house was the gathering place for the whole family for decades.

Craig was preceded in death by both of his parents; sister-in-law, Elaine Graham & brother-in-law, H.P. Jones. He is survived by his devoted wife of almost 70 years, Pauline Graham of Buffalo; daughters, Paula K. Grisham (Jim) of Waco and Melanie Carr (Jeff) of Buffalo; brother, Duncan Graham of Quitman; adored grandchildren, Amy Cheatham (Travis) of Waco, Grayson Johnston (Marli) of Dallas, Kimberly Homann (Josh) of Grapeland, and Alaina Garland (Gavin) of Lewisville; and beloved great-grandchildren, Welsey Homann, Maverick Garland, Kenobi Garland, and Wyatt Homann (on the way). Craig is also survived by a host of extended family and dear friends.

In honor of Craig's remarkable life, a funeral service will be held at Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM, where family and friends will gather to celebrate his legacy. Pastor of the church, Rev. Andrew Thompson, will officiate the service. A visitation will take place in Buffalo Funeral Home, Buffalo, Texas on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, providing an opportunity for loved ones to pay their respects. Following the service, Craig will be laid to rest in Siloam Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Grayson Johnston, Josh Homann, Travis Cheatham, Russell Jonas, Brent Ryder, Gavin Garland, Jim Grisham, Jeffrey Carr, Mike Jones, Lawson Jones, Harold Richmond

Honorary Pallbearers: Duncan Graham, Ken Jones, Charlie Waters, Byron Ryder, Earle Odom

In this time of mourning, we remember Craig Graham as an incredible man of character who lived out his faith daily with kindness, joy and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but they find joy in the knowledge that he is in Heaven, where they will be together with him again.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church in Buffalo, TX.

 Final arrangements are under the direction of Walters' Buffalo Funeral Home, Buffalo, Texas.