Russell Graham

Russell Craig Graham, 46, died Tuesday, October 30th, 2007 in Amarillo, Texas.BRBRServices will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the Panhandle High School Auditorium with Rev. Bud Kidwell, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park of Borger under the direction of MintonChatwell Funeral Directors of Panhandle.BRBRCoach Graham was born on May 5, 1961 in Borger, and had lived in Panhandle for the past 13 years. He was the Panhandle High School assistant football coach for the past nine years. He graduated from Oklahoma State University, was with the Michigan Panthers US League for one year, played three years for the Pittsburgh Steeler's NFL, was a member of the Texas Coaches Association and the Texas Thoroughbred Association. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Panhandle.BRBRHe is survived by his wife, Monica Graham of the home, two sons - Eric Graham and Alex Graham both of the home, his parents - Eldon Margaret Graham of Borger, brother - Frank Graham and wife M'Leigha of Borger, two sisters - Helen Thomas and husband Billy of Borger and Christy Wise and husband Eddie of Kansas City, MO, father and mother-in-law - William and Ava Van Brackle of Fayetteville, Pa; sister-in-law - Major Ingrid Parker, currently serving in Iraq; nephews - Matt Thomas and wife Jennifer of Bryan, Jason Thomas of Borger, Riley Reece Graham of Borger, Jonathan Bogges and Brett Wise of Kansas City, Mo; nieces - Megan Thomas of Borger, Samantha Bogges of Dickinson, Kinley Graham of Borger, Rebecca Wise of Kansas City, MO and Gabrielle Parker of Panhandle; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who all loved him.

He was preceded in death by maternal grandmother and grandfather Clyde and Ozie Ferguson of Borger, paternal grandmother Helen M. Graham of Dennison, and the paternal grandfather that was so dear to him and taught him many great lessons about life, Ta-Ta Samuel T. Graham of Borger.

Russell was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, friend and mentor to many, many students. he was passionate about everything he ever attemped in life including football, horses and teaching - but most importantly, his family. The stories and laughter that he shared with all will always be remembered. Words cannot express how much he will be missed.BRBRCasket bearers will be Brent Satterwhite, Terry Coffee, Cory Lynch, Jacob Thompson, Ricky Peacock, Monty Gothard and Ron Bradshaw. Honorary bearers will be the Panhandle Panthers Varsity Football Team.BRBRIn lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eric Alex Graham Scholarship Fund at Happy State Bank, 223 Euclid St., Panhandle, Tx. 79068.BR

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