Larry Gene Graham, 83, of Salem, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He leaves behind a family and church community that remember him for his strong faith, generosity, hard work and devotion to those closest to him.
Born January 11, 1943, Larry dedicated much of his life to his family, his church and the community around him. Whether working on a project, helping at church, spending time with his grandchildren or enjoying his interest in antique automobiles, he remained active and involved.
Larry Graham Cause of Death
Larry Gene Graham passed away surrounded by family on August 6, 2026. The available obituary information does not specify a particular medical cause of death.
No additional cause of death should be assumed beyond the details provided by his family.
A Life Centered on Faith
Larry’s Christian faith was an important part of his life. He was a longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church in Salem, where he taught Sunday School in the children’s department for more than 15 years.
He also served on church committees and participated in youth mission trips through World Changers. His involvement went beyond attending services, as he regularly contributed his time and skills to projects benefiting the congregation and wider community.
Larry helped construct the church’s food pantry and contributed to the development of the facility that eventually became its Recreational Outreach Center.
Career in Land Surveying
Larry built a long professional career in land surveying.
He retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation in 1998 after serving as Survey Manager. Following his retirement, he continued working as a licensed land surveyor with Mattern & Craig in Roanoke.
His work often took him outdoors through fields and difficult terrain. His dedication to the profession was also something he shared with his family, including occasions when his children accompanied him while he worked.
Family Was at the Heart of His Life
For Larry, family remained one of the most important parts of his life.
He took great pride in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cherished opportunities to spend time with them. His family will remember the happiness he found in their gatherings and the memories created over the years.
Larry 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 surviving grandchildren include Josh Graham and wife Tori, Phoebe Graham, Matthew Graham, Olivia Graham, John Graham, Watson Belcher, Kennedy Belcher and Hunter Hinkle.
His great-grandchildren include Aubree Graham, Riley Graham and Zach Graham. He is also survived by his brother Allen Graham and wife Susan, sister Vickie Graham, extended relatives, church friends and many others whose lives he touched.
Funeral and Celebration of Life
Family and friends gathered for visitation on August 20 at the Bethel Baptist Church Worship Center in Salem.
A Celebration of Life was held the following day at Bethel Baptist Church, with Pastor Hilton Jeffreys officiating. Larry was privately interred at Sunset Cemetery in Christiansburg.
In place of flowers, the family requested memorial contributions to the Spare Change Fund at Bethel Baptist Church, a cause Larry regularly supported and collected for during Sunday services.
Remembering Larry Graham
Larry leaves behind a legacy shaped by faith, family, service and an enduring willingness to work hard for the people and causes he cared about.
His years of service to Bethel Baptist Church, his career in surveying and, above all, his devotion to his family created memories that will remain with those who knew him.
Larry Gene Graham will be remembered by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, friends and church family as a man whose life was defined by service, faith and love for those around him.
Leave a Reply