Christopher Fay Graney

1931 - 2025

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.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Maria Times on Mar. 14, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Graney

Sponsored by Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory.

9 Entries

Ena Steveley

April 10, 2025

I still remember Mr. Granny, he was my science teacher at Orcutt Junior high. Very kind, quiet spoken and excellent teacher. I enjoyed being in his class. He has never been forgotten. RIP Mr. Graney.

Donald Honda

March 20, 2025

My condolences to the Graney family. I met Mr Graney through his son Charles being a fellow Boy Scout. I also played Mr. Graney at Fesler School pickup Basketball games and he was challenging to play against. But my fondest memories were his helping me win several photography awards at the Santa Barbara County Fair by providing me guidance how to create the best photos and how to present them at the Fair. Rest in peace as you favorably impacted many lives you touched.

Steven Geiger

March 20, 2025

Enjoyed many pick up games with Chris. Always a pleasure to play ball. RIP.

David Cohen

March 17, 2025

Rip my old friend idk if you remember me David cohen im 48 now you could play with any and all of us back when street basketball was the way of life in SM from fessler to tunnel to rice and you were so nice and friendly and happy I wash the world was like you my friend god bless you rest in peace

Liz Regulski

March 16, 2025

Mr. Graney was my science teacher in 7th grade at Orcutt Junior High in 1962. He made the class interesting and really sparked my interest in science. He was a very nice, humble person. Many years later I ran into him and let him know what a great teacher he was and thanked him for the impact he had on me. He will be missed and remembered forever.

Rodrigo Cuellar

March 15, 2025

My condolences, he was a very good man.

Gil Chavarria

March 15, 2025

What a nice man Chris was. My bothers and me would play basketball with him for hours at Fesler Jr. high school. He sure loved to play basketball and was a great player. We used to call him "Captain Hook" or the "Old man". Rest in Peace Sir!

Wanda Jalbert

March 14, 2025

I would see Mr Graney at The local thrift store checking stuff out......he was my 7th grade science teacher at Lakeview and he was great!!!! A well liked teacher for sure.

Debra Miller

March 4, 2025

Mr. Graney was my 7th grade science teacher. What a wonderful man he was. Many years later I would run into him while out shopping. I had great respect for that fine man. Also Mrs. Graney was my 1st teacher. So truly kind! Rest in Peace you are now reunited

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