Perry Preston Graham

Perry Preston went to be with the Lord on February 26, 2013 from his home in Azle, Texas. Service: 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 2nd at New Hope Baptist Church. Visitation: 6 to 8 P.M. Friday at White's Azle Funeral Home. Interment: 5:00 P.M. Saturday, March 2nd at Damacus Cemetery, Lindale, Texas.Perry Preston Graham was born to John Allen Graham and Mary Eva (Ashcraft) Graham on June 6, 1926 in Lindale, Texas. Preston was the youngest of five children and the only son of his parents. He was raised in a farming family, but was destined to use his bright mind. He was the valedictorian of his senior class. World War II claimed the attention of many of those graduates. Preston served in the Horse Cavalry during WWII. Most of his service was in Japan. After the war, Preston enrolled at Baylor University where he would later meet a young lady from Michigan. Preston married the love of his life, Lois Hyde, on May 24, 1952. They celebrated their 60th anniversary last year as he was leaving to go to rehabilitation, having suffered a stroke on the 19th of May. Preston and Lois were both educators with several degrees from Baylor University. Preston received his PhD in education and Lois had two master's degrees. He and Lois began their teaching careers at Eagle Pass,Texas serving in many Texas cities, including Roane, Corsicana, Waco, Angleton and Dallas, before retiring from the Port Arthur and Port Neches Independent School Districts in southeast Texas. Lois had been a school counselor for years while Preston was the chief administrator over the special education program for the Port Neches School District. Preston and Lois have been devoted Christians and members of New Hope Baptist Church of Boyd, where Preston faithfully taught the senior adult Sunday School class until he could no longer attend because of their failing health. Preston was also a denominational leader with the BGCT, serving as Vice President of the Texas Baptist Men in 1976. During the 70's and 80's he served regularly as a Lay Renewal Coordinator, organizing visiting volunteers to assist the growth and spiritual development in hosting churches. His Christian witness will live on through the many lives that he has touched during his life. He was a wonderful father and father-in-law and an attentive grandfather to his six grandchildren. He was a faithful and loyal friend and benefactor to several students, making it financially possible for them to get their higher education. Survivors: Wife of 60 years, Lois Graham; children, Gail Graham Edwards and Page Graham both of live in the DFW Metroplex area; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.