Bill G. Graham

Bill George Graham, age 82 of Mt. Sterling, passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021 at Mount Carmel Grove City. He was born October 5, 1938, the son of Robert and Ruth Phyllis (Dillon) Graham. He graduated from Mt. Sterling High School in 1956. Bill was a lifelong farmer (3rd generation), or as he liked to say, an agricultural engineer of Graham Farm, where he raised registered polled Herefords, corn, soybeans, wheat and hay. He finished his last harvest in November 2020, with his trusty Massey-Ferguson equipment and his grandson, Nick, by his side. 

He was a longtime member of The United Church in Mt. Sterling, where he served in many roles. A Scottish Rite 32nd-degree Master Mason, Bill was a member of the Mt. Sterling Masonic Lodge #269 F&AM, the Knights of Pythias, and 194 Talmadge Lodge for more than 50 years. He was also a member of Order of the Eastern Star, Sterling Chapter #74 and served as a Pleasant Township Trustee for many years. In September 2012, Bill proudly attended his 50th consecutive Farm Science Review, as he had done every year since its debut in 1953. 

He was a devoted family man and a loving husband. He enjoyed going to Cocoa Beach with his family, being entertained by his grandsons, endlessly teasing his wife, and sharing a special bond with his daughter. He was well-liked by all he met and loved telling jokes and funny little quips. There was never a dull moment when he was around. During the off-season, you could find him watching westerns in his shop office and he thoroughly enjoyed every farmer-friend who took the time to visit or call just to make sure he was doing okay. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bill George Graham; brother, Robert Graham, nephew, Steven Graham, father-in-law, George Gerhardt, mother-in-law, Geraldine Gerhardt, and brother-in-law, Roger Stump. 

He is survived by Kay, the love of his life and wife of 63 years, whom he originally married in first grade with his mother’s ring, and officially married on October 20, 1957, his daughter, Katrina Graham (Dale) Frey, grandsons, Nicholas (Jessica) Graham, Ryan (Samantha) Graham, Patrick Smith, Andrew (Amber) Frey and Daniel (Katy) Frey, great-grandchildren Reagan Graham, Ireland, and Norman Blythe. Also, sisters-in-law Carolyn Graham and Carole Stump, brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Bobbie Gerhardt, daughter-in-law, Sheila Graham, his grand puppies Flash-boy, Miley, and Bella, as well as many nieces, nephews, and special friends. 

Family and friends are invited to attend the graveside service Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at 12 noon, at Pleasant Cemetery, Mt. Sterling, Ohio, with Pastor Dan Shipley officiating. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic social distancing will be observed, and facial coverings are required while in the cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to The United Church, 30 E. Columbus St., Mt. Sterling, OH. The Porter-Tidd Funeral Home, 331 W. Main St., Mt. Sterling, OH 43143 assisted the family. Please visit www.portertiddfuneralhome.com to send your condolences to Bill’s family or share a favorite memory.