Oscar Lee (Lee) Graham, 76, of Mason passed away at home with family and friends around him on Wednesday June 13, 2012.
Lee was born on May 18, 1936 to Oscar Henry Graham and Mary E. Bacon Graham in Abilene, Texas. He married the love of his life, Linnda Hubbell Graham, in 1960 in Junction Texas. His biggest fans include his daughter and son-in-law, Kerry Graham Rustin and Dameon Rustin of Dallas, his three grandchildren Colleen, Zachary and Noah Rustin of Dallas/Fort Worth, sister Nancy McSpedden of San Angelo, sister-in-law Wanda Graham of Kyle Texas, cousins Molly Bacon Eisenberg and husband Bob of Tuscola, Clayton (Claytie) Williams and wife Modesta and Janet Pollard, all of Midland, as well as countless nephews, nieces, students, teachers and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joe Graham of Kyle and brother-in-law Larry McSpedden of San Angelo.
Lee grew up in Fort Stockton, Texas where he began his life-long commitment to sports, graduating from Fort Stockton High School and New Mexico State A&M (New Mexico State), where he lettered 4 years in football. He earned a Masters degree at Sul Ross University in 1964. Lee put his gifts for teaching, coaching and leading to work as a coach in Paducah Texas and Junction Texas, coming to Mason in 1962 to serve first as coach and teacher, then as Mason High School Principal for 32 years, retiring in 1994.
Lee began broadcasting as the Voice of the Mason Punchers for Mason Puncher football in 1970, missing only 3 football games during his tenure. He coached girls track for 14 years and spent countless hours watching, coaching, supporting and compiling statistics for generations of Mason High School athletes and scholars as they participated in football, basketball, track, tennis, baseball, band and academics.
During his career and retirement Lee was a leader and active member in the Mason Jaycees, the Mason Lions Club, the First United Methodist Church, the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals and many other committees and groups. He also served as Mayor of Mason for 2 years.
Lee Graham's dedication to others, passion for guiding students, love of sports, example of fairness, leadership and commitment to serve his family, friends, community and God has impacted generations.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 16, 3 – 7pm at Mason Funeral Home. Services will be held on Sunday, June 17 at 3pm at the First United Methodist Church in Mason, to be immediately followed by graveside services and a 6pm Celebration of Lee's life at the Mason Puncher Dome.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a fund at the Mason National Bank, or to the Mason Cancer Society or the Texas chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.