LTG Charles' Obituary
On Thursday, February 11, 2021, Lieutenant General Charles “Chuck” Passmore Graham, USA Retired, devoted Christian, proud veteran, husband and father, passed away at the age of 93.
Chuck was born on December 19, 1927 in Seward, Alaska to The Reverend Thomas and Lynnie Passmore Graham. His father, a Methodist missionary, moved the family to Boise, Idaho where Chuck and his brothers, Robert and Franklin, were raised. In 1950, Chuck earned his commission upon graduation from The United States Military Academy at West Point, which was the beginning of a distinguished 35-year career in the U.S. Army. While at the Point, he developed a love for the military and service to his country. The West Point motto “Duty, Honor, Country” guided him throughout his life. Chuck also built bonds with classmates as part of The Long Gray Line that continued even into his retirement.
In 1954, Chuck met Alice Ann Chandler, a sparkling redhead from Abilene, Texas, and his future bride of 63 years. Together, they moved almost annually, making homes in communities and on Army posts and adding three children, Susan, Edwin and Richard, to their family.
Throughout Chuck’s more than three-decade-long career, the Army would take them around the world with assignments across Europe and the United States. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and his most memorable assignments were commanding the 2nd Calvary Squadron at Pleiku, Vietnam, 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment at Nürnberg, Germany and 2nd Army at Fort Gillem. During his career, he came to value the importance of leadership and teaching. He often spoke of the men with whom he had served, the lessons they taught each other and the importance of investing in others. The time he spent teaching at the USMA and as an advisor to the track team were among his most treasured memories.
In 1985, Chuck retired from the Army. He and Alice settled in Roswell, Georgia and ultimately returned to Texas. They traveled extensively together and with friends, visiting six continents and enjoying Europe by river boat, tracing Christianity in the Holy Land and returning to South Korea to learn more about the people and country in which he had served decades before.
He continued to serve in new ways, dedicating his time as an elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), longtime board member of the Foundation for Improvement of Justice in Atlanta, member of the founding group for the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Georgetown, Texas and a leader in local Kiwanis International clubs. Anyone who knew Chuck felt his passion for leadership, patriotism and teaching future generations.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Alice and brothers. He is survived by his daughter Susan and husband Weldon Whiteside of Austin, TX; son Edwin Graham of Jasper, GA; son Richard Graham, and daughter-in-law Melanie Musick-Graham of Atlanta, GA; granddaughter Megan, husband Jason Ely and great grandson Brooks of Alexandria, VA; granddaughter Kelsey and husband Stratton Haley of Ft. Worth, TX; and granddaughters Kaytlin and Hannah Graham of Atlanta, GA.
A private burial will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. The family welcomes friends to join them in honoring Chuck’s memory through a video tribute. To contribute, please share a written memory or tribute, photo or brief video. Email [email protected] for more information.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of LTG Charles P. Graham to Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church (7127 Bee Cave Road Austin, TX 78746-4102, https://www.whpc.org/give-1) or West Point Association of Graduates (698 Mills Road West Point, NY 10996-1611, https://www.westpointaog.org/waystogive.) A special thanks to the staff at Brookdale Lakeway and Brookdale Hospice for the care they provided for Chuck.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of LTG Charles P. Graham, USA Retired, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
