Ernest Charles (Butch) Graham was born August 23, 1928 in Texarkana, Texas the youngest of five children born to Marvin and Gertrude Graham. He was preceded in death by both parents; wife, Beatrice Z. Graham; brothers, Artis, Marvin, and William Graham; mother-in-law, Zola Collins; and father-in-law, Rev. Charles Bryant.

Ernest grew up in Texarkana and attended Dunbar High School, where he met the love of his life, Beatrice. Ernest and Bea were married August 28, 1948 and moved to Kansas City, Missouri. To this union, three daughters were born, Linda, Janice and Sandy. Ernest always wished for a son, but was happy with his girls. He was blessed with his first grandson, Jelani, and they were inseparable. He was involved in every sport that Jelani played and also attended every practice. He also had a great grandson, Keyon, and attended all his games and enjoyed watching granddaughter, Akera, play volleyball. When his great granddaughter, JeNique, was born, she was destined to play sports and he was right there in the stands cheering her on at every game.

Ernest worked various jobs before being employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail handler and then upgraded to be a Letter Carrier until retirement, where he was called "Deac" by his co-workers. He was a member of the United States Postal Service Union and held a position as a Union Steward and also held the position as Secretary with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC).

Ernest was a faithful and dedicated member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ for 64 years. Prior to joining Palestine, he was a member of Truelight Baptist Church where he became an Ordained Deacon. While at Palestine, he served as the first Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Teacher for the nine year old boys, moving on to teach the Middle Adults. He also sang in the Male Chorus, Senior Choir, and Men of Praise. He was also on the Board of Directors with Palestine Gardens North, Palestine Gardens South, and Palestine Gardens Commons. Whatever Deacon Graham was called to do, he was right there. One of his favorite scriptures was Psalms 37:25.

He coached the Palestine Boys Basketball Team and is called COACH to this day by many young men. He also gathered up a group of neighborhood boys and formed a Baseball Team. He loved people and never met a stranger. He was Dad and Papa to many and his girls did not mind sharing him. He loved to dance. He and Bea would draw a crowd while on the dance floor. He was always stylish and dressed to impress with his signature SWAG WALK or caught doing his Martin Lawrence pose while taking pictures.

Deacon Ernest C. Graham has truly left a Legacy that will live on through family and friends.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his daughters, Linda Jordan (Ronald), Janice Reliford (Dwight) and Sandy Graham of Kansas City, MO; grandson, Jelani Graham (Valerie); granddaughters, Akera Johnson (Peter) and Terriana Dixon; great granddaughter, JeNique Graham; great grandsons, Keyon McMullen and Lil Jelani Graham; great great grandson, DaSohn Redd; sister, Barbara Love; sister-in-law, Louradell Bryant; cousin, Ernest Williams (Carlotta); god-daughter, Courtney Edwards (Anthony); god-sons, Ernest and Brad Hogan; bonus daughters, Vicki Barnes, Lisa McKenzie, and Cheryl Thomas; bonus granddaughter, Alesa Duncan; bonus grandsons, Romello Akins and Langston Moore; and a host of family and friends. Special thanks to Harold Jones and Stephanie Finley.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.