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Life story

" On the 18th of January 2026, a family lost it’s patriarch when Bruce Philip Graham passed away. Bruce, also affectionately known as Dear, Dad, Pop, Papa, and probably other nicknames he earned in his full 76 years of life, touched so many people.

Bruce and Cheryl were married in 1969 and spent many years together living anywhere the US Air Force asked. They spent many years all around Europe, including Greece, Germany, and the United Kingdom. They eventually settled in the Northern Virginia area where they first retired. They did make a move to Florida for over a decade, but the love and call of family brought them back to Virginia where they could spend time with their great grandchildren. All was lucky to have him back, even if the time was too short.

Bruce was a gentle soul to all of his surviving family; Cheryl, his wife of 56 years; Kerri his daughter; Travis, his son; Harllie and Madason; his grand daughters; and his five great grandchildren, Damon, Kinsey, Aubreigh, Autumn, and Raelyn. Each of them lived only a few miles from Bruce and they were fortunate to see him often. He was also survived by his brother Gary who lives in Florida.

Senior Master Sergeant Bruce Graham was a 26 year veteran of the US Air Force and proudly served in Vietnam during the conflict. He didn’t talk about it a lot but was immensely proud of that part of his career. He ended his US Air Force career as a very well respected senior NCO who took great pride in his service, especially the time spent as a First Sergeant helping the junior enlisted men and women in his charge. In each of his assignments he upheld the highest levels of commitment and integrity. He defended those that needed it and he held those around him to a higher standard, sometimes at a cost to his career. But that is what he stood for and never regretted the cost. He was a man of honor.

His story as a veteran was important, but his legacy as a caring head of the family was what mattered to him most. He always lived up to that legacy as he was dearly loved by all of his family. He was always greeted with big hugs from his great grandchildren. Many days were spent with his family cheering on his great grandson on the baseball field. Papa was so proud of Damon and loved watching him play and spending time with the other children. He was loved.

Bruce, dad, papa, pops left us way too early. There are many things he will not get to see that he looked forward to seeing; holding hands with Cheryl one more time, seeing his children retire, being there for his grand daughter’s, witnessing his great grand children’s life as they grow. But he did see a lot and he certainly loved it all. His family is so thankful for the time that we did have. He will be missed."