Lawrence Wayne Graham

In Loving Memory of Lawrence W. "Larry" Graham

Larry Graham passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, at Parkview (Randallia) Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born June 15, 1952, to the late Dr. James C. Graham and Marjorie Dickerson-Graham.

Larry received his formative education and training in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated from Snider High School and continued his education at the University of Toledo and Hillside College in Hillside, Michigan. Larry was employed as a draftsman at the Magnavox Corporation following college. Larry later moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he lived for 30 years. During his time in Chicago, he was employed at the Chicago Sun-Times, and he also worked as a real estate broker for Coldwell Banker. 

Larry was a fun-loving, caring, and special person who was deeply loved and cherished by his family, relatives, and friends. He had a unique ability to bring jooooooy to those around him and was a treasured part of his family. There was nothing asked of him that he would not be willing to do or help with. 

Larry was a disciplined researcher and took great pride in preserving his family's history and ancestry. He became the gatherer and keeper of the family's stories, records, and legacy. His dedication to documenting and preserving his family heritage will remain an important part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Among Larry's favorite hobbies and interests were sports, especially baseball, to which he played Little League and was a longtime coach for Pony League/ Southside Optimist. He dedicated many years to mentoring youth. That encouragement was very impactful for many young people in the city.  He enjoyed the things that brought him happiness and took pleasure in sharing those interests with others.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. James C. Graham and Marjorie Dickerson-Graham; brother James C.Graham, Jr.; nephew James "Troy" Graham, III; maternal grandparents, Cecil Dickerson and Charity Smith-Dickerson; and paternal grandparents, Israel Graham and Emma Ravizee-Graham.

Larry leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving sister, Joyce Graham-Coats; nephews, Tracy Foster, John "JJ" (Joyce) Foster, and Sugar Foster, all of Fort Wayne, Indiana; nieces, Joy (Cedric S.) Graham-Kirkland, of Birmingham, Alabama; Dr. Angela (Fion) Graham-Williams, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Marjorie Graham and Audrey Graham, both of Battle Creek, Michigan; Tiffany Stephens, Becky Carswell, and Julie Rogers-Carswell, all of Fort Wayne, Indiana; sister-in-law, Cecilia Graham, of Battle Creek, Michigan; sister/cousin, Wanda (Lawrence) Graham-Carter, of Columbus, Ohio, special cousin, Emmett Wallace, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, special friends, Steve Ransom and Oliver Fowlkes, both of Fort Wayne, Indiana, famly and friends, many relatives, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends will forever remeber Larry's kindness, humor, dedicatin to family, and the special place he hels in their lives. 

Larry's life was a gift to those who knew and loved him. His memory, stories, and the family legacy he worked so diligently to preserve will continue to live on through generations to come. 

May he rest peacefully and forever remain in our hearts. 

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