William David Graham, 74, of Edisto Island S.C. passed away peacefully at his home after a brief battle with  cancer, surrounded by his sister Barbara Davis, family friend Lynn Adcox and his wife Dawn.  His sons, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, grandchildren and extended family had surrounded him with love during prior weeks.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Dawn Summer Graham, and their beloved sons William Travis Graham ( loving partner Ashlee Byram),  James Matthew Graham,  David Summer Graham (wife Erin),  his sisters Barbara Davis and Marsha Kelly (Tom Kelly), and by his cherished  grandchildren:   Roman James Graham and Harrison Keith Graham (Travis Graham and Katie Wilburn),  Gabriella Faith Graham and Caroline Sophia Graham (David and Erin Graham), James Matthew Graham Jr. and Estelle Charlotte Graham ( James M. Graham and Laura Graham),  Allie Grace Graham ( Travis Graham and Joni Bridges Bonds),  and Adelynn Bonds, lovingly considered our 'bonus granddaughter', sister of Allie Grace.

Bill is also survived by many beloved family members including his brothers-in-law William Spearman 'Bill'  Summer (Kathy),  James H. 'Jay' Summer (Giovanna), Harold Forrest 'Hack' Summer (Melissa),  brother-in-law Tom Kelly (Marsha Kelly),  his sisters Marsha Kelly and Barbara Davis, as well as countless cousins, nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by Evelyn Pettit Graham (mother) in 2009,  and James William Graham (father)in 2008.

Bill was born in Woodruff S.C. (Spartanburg SC).   His father, a World War 2 and Korean War veteran, earned a Civil Engineering degree at Clemson University where Bill recalled living on "Milky Way Blvd" as a little boy .  The family moved many times including to Inman SC, Robbinsville NC, Decatur Georgia and more.

Bill and Dawn met at Limestone College in Gaffney SC in 1972.  They  transferred together to the University of SC where Bill earned a Bachelor of Science degree, and a few years later a Masters Degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations at Winthrop University in Rock Hill SC.  After Bill's and Dawn's 1978 Pawleys Island SC wedding   Bill began a career with Phillips Petroleum(1978 – 2000).    Their three sons were born during the 1980's.   The family frequently relocated to Phillips locations throughout Texas, Oklahoma, South and North Carolina.  Bill's last career move was with Coats North America in Marion N.C. until retirement in 2018.

Bill was, throughout his life as a friend, husband, father and grandfather, a man of great character and honor.  He was often perceived as enigmatic  and stoic with a dry wit, and was truly a man of few words, choosing them carefully which made his utterances all the more precious.   He was more valuable than he ever knew  and was a rock of stability, honor and decency to everyone who loved him.   Bill's lifelong passion was fishing, having passed this love on to his three sons who continue to fish throughout the US and world.

Bill's two Harley Davidsons were twin joys which he enjoyed immensely throughout the years and many 'rides' to Laconia, Myrtle Beach, New Mexico, Florida and more.

Bill was a 21 year non-small cell cancer survivor from 2005 until 2025 when he was diagnosed with small cell cancer in May of 2025.    He lived life authentically, powerfully and stoically with great grace and kindness, and those whom he blessed with his dry humor and occasional smiles loved him for it.    His gruff exterior didn't phase his beloved grandchildren who climbed all  over him and clung to him at every opportunity.

Bill and Dawn enjoyed their last 5 years together on beautiful Edisto Island SC, where they gained the most beautiful church family in Edisto Beach Baptist Church.   Bill's tough exterior definitely cracked wide open as they were embraced, forged strong friendships.   Bill served as a deacon for three years.   His "acts of service" were centered around cooking for Wednesday night fellowship, where his astonishing talents included smoked meat(s), smoked macaroni and cheese, all sorts of side dishes, shrimp and grits, homemade apple pies and so much more.   e

Proverbs 17:27-28:  Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding".

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM, at Edisto Beach Baptist Church, 414 Jungle Road, Edisto Island SC 29438.   Light refreshments will follow in the fellowship hall for family and friends.

Since Bill chose cremation the family respectfully requests,. In lieu of floral arrangements,  memorials to be made to the EDISTO BEACH BAPTIST CHURCH BUILDING FUND, something that was very near and dear to Bill's heart.