Ronald Lee Graham

Ronald Lee Graham, age 81 of Bay City, Michigan passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023 in his home with his family at his side.


Ron was born May 8, 1942 to the late Erwin and Arwilda (Latimer) Graham in Bay City, Michigan and was a graduate of Handy High School in 1960.

Ron is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy (Verlac) Graham; sister, Ellen Graham; daughters, Julie (Matt) Brown of Saint Louis MI and Debbie (Rhett) Schmiedel of Anderson IN. Grandchildren, Michael (Kaitlyn) Brown of Kalamazoo MI, Dr. Megan Brown of Tucson AZ, Jake Brown (Olivia Anderson) of Saint Louis MI, Jennifer Brown (Tyler Rogers) of Saint Louis MI, Gwendolyn Schmiedel of Anderson IN and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Dorothy Verlac and his beloved golden retriever, Buddy.

Ron worked for the Garr Tool Company in Alma, MI for many years, ending up as the quality control supervisor, which perfectly suited his attention to detail. A man with many interests and hobbies, he was passionate about everything he was involved with. A very civic minded person, Ron always served others in the neighborhood, volunteering, donating more than 15 gallons of blood and giving back to his community in many other ways. Ron worked tirelessly at the Saginaw River Rear Range Lighthouse and then began the effort to rehabilitate the Pine Ridge Cemetery, for which he received the “Dick and Carol Hardy Community Improvement Award” in 2015. He also volunteered at the Santa House, Bay City Fireworks, served on the board of S.O.S – Save Our Shorelines organization and was also a member of the Saginaw River Marine Historical Society.

Some of his favorite activities included boating, camping, agate hunting, and spending time with his family. He also loved attending his grandchildren’s activities and spent countless hours cleaning the beach areas of his neighborhood and helping his neighbors.

Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Gephart Funeral Home in Bay City with a private interment taking place at Elm Lawn Cemetery.
Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home and on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be considered to Golden Horizons of Bay City or SOS (Save Our Shorelines).