Larry Graham Obituary, Death – Salem Community Mourns Beloved Family Man

Larry Gene Graham, 83, of Salem, Virginia, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, August 6, 2026. He was remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose life was marked by hard work, faith, service and a deep commitment to his family.

Born on January 11, 1943, Larry spent much of his life serving others and staying active in the community. He was known as someone who rarely stopped working, whether he was building, helping at church, working on projects, enjoying antique cars or cheering for his grandchildren.

Larry’s Christian faith was an important part of his life. He was a longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School in the children’s department for more than 15 years. He also served on several church committees and participated in youth mission trips with World Changers.

His dedication to the church extended to practical projects and community service. Larry helped build the church’s food pantry and played an important role in developing what eventually became the church’s Recreational Outreach Center.

A Career in Land Surveying

Professional work was another significant part of Larry’s life. He retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation in 1998 as Survey Manager and later continued working as a licensed land surveyor with Mattern & Craig in Roanoke.

Surveying took him through fields and brush and required the patience, precision and determination that characterized his approach to life. He also shared his work with members of his family, sometimes bringing his children along and turning long days on the job into lasting memories.

A Devoted Family Man

Above all, Larry treasured his family. He was especially proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and those closest to him will remember the happiness he showed whenever the family gathered.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl “Watson” Graham and Helen Virginia Graham; his brothers Earl, Kenneth, Ronnie and Mark Graham; and his grandson Zachary Graham.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Graham; his children, Dwayne Graham and wife Kathy, Greg Graham and wife Beth, and Kaitlyn Belcher and James Hinkle. His grandchildren include Josh Graham and wife Tori, Phoebe Graham, Matthew Graham, Olivia Graham, John Graham, Watson Belcher, Kennedy Belcher and Hunter Hinkle. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Aubree Graham, Riley Graham and Zach Graham, along with his brother Allen Graham and wife Susan, sister Vickie Graham, extended family members, church friends and others who knew him.

Funeral Services

The family held visitation on August 20 at the Bethel Baptist Church Worship Center in Salem. A Celebration of Life followed on August 21 at Bethel Baptist Church, with Pastor Hilton Jeffreys officiating. Interment was held privately at Sunset Cemetery in Christiansburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial donations to the Spare Change Fund at Bethel Baptist Church, a cause Larry supported and collected for each Sunday.

Larry Graham leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, family devotion and hard work. His example and the memories he created with those around him will continue to be remembered by his family, church community and friends.