Sterling Wayne Graham

Almost 46 years ago, two families became one when Sterling "Wayne" Graham and Eloise Carter married. Saturday, May 13, Wayne passed away. Wayne was the oldest son of Sterling "Johnny" Graham and Loretha (Yeager) Graham. He was born on Aug. 7, 1938 in Springdale, Ark. The Springdale Fire Department was a great love for him, he retired after 20 years as a volunteer. He served many years on the Fire Dept. Pension Board. In November of 1954, Wayne enlisted in the Fayetteville National Guard. SFC Graham received many awards to include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal for work on Cuban Refugee Crises. After 43 years of service at the age of 60, he retired from the "Guards." At that point in his life, he held many part-time jobs in the community. The last two jobs were the "Keeper" of the Wilson Cemetery and driving cars for the Auto Appearance Group. He loved all these jobs, he loved people and this was a good outlet for him. Deceased members of his family are his parents, Loretha and Johnny Graham; son, Dennis Carter; daughter, Tracy (Carter) McLaughlin; two brothers, Gerry Graham and Franklin Graham. Survivors include his wife, Eloise (Carter) Graham; sons, Steven Graham and Dennis Graham; daughter, Teresa Pace–Willard (Bill); adopted daughter, Amanda Smith (Josh); daughter-in-law, Diane Carter; brother, Billy D. Graham (Phyllis); grandchildren, Nathan Carter (Sarah), Amanda Smith (Josh), Tyler Graham, Eli Pace, Layton Pace, Krystal Sauter, Thomas Frangipan, Amy Ennis and April Logue; great-grandchildren, Katelynn Smith, Graham Carter and Zachary Stillwell; numerous friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He loved them all! Visitation will be held at Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Backstrom Pyeatte Funeral Chapel in Springdale on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Wilson Cemetery. Donations may be made to Wilson Cemetery for up keep or to the Circle of Life Hospice Memorial Fund. To sign the online guest book, visit www.backstrom-pyeatte.com.