Henry George Graham

Henry “Hank” George Graham, 77, passed away Tuesday, October 24, 2017, in Abilene, Texas.

Born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin on January 20, 1940, Hank was the son of June B. Graham and Jim W. Graham.  He attended West Milwaukee High School and after graduation joined the U.S. Air Force in 1957. Following his military service Hank attended college in Houston, and after completion moved to Abilene where he opened a new Lee Optical store in downtown Abilene.  After working in the optical business for fourteen months, he went into newspaper with the Dyess Peacemaker and later with the Abilene Reporter-News from which he retired after 23-1/2 years. 

After retirement he was self-employed.  He and wife, Joyce, traveled selling her artwork at fairs, stock shows and art & craft shows until 1997 when she was diagnosed with small cell cancer.  She preceded him in death in May 1999.  Hank and Dorothy married in January 2000.  They did an extensive amount of traveling until Hank was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and had to slow down.  They were members of Elmcrest Baptist Church in Abilene for years.  

Hank is survived by one son, Mike Graham of Abilene; two stepsons, Larry Hull, Sr., and wife Tommie, and David Hull; two stepdaughters, Diane Hull Lamara and Jeanetta Hull Swofford; eight step-grandchildren; and nineteen step-great-grandchildren.  

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 26, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 27, at Elmcrest Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Vincent officiating.  Burial will follow in Ericksdahl Cemetery in Ericksdahl, Texas.