1919
2013
Wilburn Joseph Graham, 93, of Fort Smith, died April 28, 2013 in Fort Smith. He was born September 19, 1919 in the Graphic Community to Pape and Bernie Bourland Graham. He was a graduate of Alma High School Class of 1938. Following graduation he went to Houston and was drafted into the Texas National Guard, T-Patch Division. He was one month from release when Pearl Harbor occurred and his unit was then shipped to North Africa and was in the invasion of Italy on the beaches of Salerno in September of 1943. He was wounded on Mount Lungo, Italy and sent back home. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his actions in Italy. He was an employee of Hughes Tool Company for 40 years and upon retirement moved back to Arkansas with his wife and son, Joe in 1997.
He is survived by his son, Joe Graham of Fort Smith and adopted son, Elias Garcia of Houston, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary and two brothers, Winford and Bully Graham.
No formal service will be held locally, but burial will be in the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA with honors. Local arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Sebastian County Humane Society P.O. Box 10953 Fort Smith, AR 72904
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
May 1, 2013
Sharon Needham
To the Graham family,
Our condolences to the family.
I always enjoyed talking politics with him. He always had a wonderful smile and a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.
Ray & Sharon Needham
Ozark, AR. 72949
April 30, 2013
Evelyn and Dub Smalling
Mr.Graham was a real friend and neighbor who met and talked to us ,invited us into his home,showed us his many flowers, and took time to chat when we walked by his place the year we lived in Ft.Smith.A true gentleman in every way.Our sympathy and prayers to his family. Evelyn and Dub Smalling
April 30, 2013
Joe Wasson
Mr. Graham was a fine man and I enjoyed interviewing him for the Historical Society. He had some great WWII stories and it was fun visiting him a couple of times after the interview. He took aging in stride and his optomism was infectious. I'll always remember him. Joe Wasson
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