William "Bill" K. Graham

Mr. William “Bill” K. Graham, age 81, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Maury Regional Medical Center following an extended illness.

Bill was born in Shanghai, China while his Dad was stationed there as part of the British International Police Force, on January 11, 1935. As a child he and his parents, William Walter and Alda Maria Madeira Graham were taken into an internment camp in Shanghai at the beginning of World War II and remained imprisoned for three years before their release. After their release, they returned to their home country of England and he enjoyed the remainder of his childhood. He joined the British Royal Air Force and fought honorably on behalf of his country upon becoming old enough.

On March 1, 1958, on St. David’s Day, he and Eileen Dennis married and began a family. One of their favorite places to go together was a lovely rose garden, where they loved walking through and enjoying the surrounding beauty. Bill was a hard worker and began his career as a foundry engineer. Baker-Perkins Ltd., a British firm, eventually transferred him to the United States and he and Eileen, along with their family remained here for over forty years. He worked for Vulcan Engineering in Pelham, Alabama at one time, but retired from GM/Saturn, having made many friends over the years there.

Bill was a much loved husband and father. He loved to golf, whether as a spectator or participant and was a member of the United States Golf Association. He loved gardening and woodworking and was very skilled at both. His children cherish beautiful pieces of furniture that he made for them. He and Eileen also enjoyed traveling, and his work took him to nearly every state in the U. S.

Bill is survived by his wife: Eileen Dennis Graham; children: Lloyd (Ileene) Graham, Clive Graham and Jill (Mark) Mayberry; grandchildren: Russell Stevens, Rochelle Crumley, Renee Stevens, William Graham, Ellen Graham, Kirk Mayberry and Thomas Mayberry; great-granddaughter: Lyla; and brother: Don (Pat) Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents: William Walter Graham and Alda Maria Madeira; brother: Rodney Graham.

Funeral services for Mr. Graham will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, with Rev. Bob Vassar officiating. The family will visit with friends on Monday, July 18 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A private family inurnment will be held at Polk Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.williamsfh.com .