Weldon "Wonnie" Graham

November 10, 1929 – September 10, 2023 Wonnie, what some people called him, was born in Cherokee, WV but lived most of his life in Lashmeet, WV. He was the son the late Howard Ervin Graham and Gladys Mae Walker Graham. He graduated in 1948 from Matoaka High School. “Wonnie” worked for Brooks Construction, Norfolk & Western Railroad, United States Steel in Delaware, and helped run the Caboose Restaurant for his Mom and Dad in Lashmeet. His final job before retirement was with the West Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission out of Charleston, WV where he worked for 21 years at the Thornhill Store, 7 years at the Matoaka Store, and 7 years at the Princeton Store. He worked a total of 35 years for the state and retired in 1987. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William Howard “Billy” Graham; sister, Elizabeth “Betty Gay” Graham Scott; ex-wife, Phyllis “Eloise” Pennington Graham; and granddaughter, Chelsea LeAnn Akers. Survivors include his daughter, Lori Ann Graham Akers Barton and husband, James Barton, III who he resided with for the past 7 years in Princeton, WV; granddaughter Tesla Shea Akers Southcott and husband Austin Southcott; great-granddaughter Taytum Shea Southcott of Princeton; granddaughter, McKenzie Jo Akers Newman and husband, Jason Newman of Prichard, WV. Also his daughter, Aleta Jo Graham Crotty and husband, William Jack of Princeton, WV; grandson, Brent Adam Crotty of Washington, D.C.; granddaughter, Kristen Michelle Crotty Wilburn and husband Josh Wilburn; and great-grandsons, William “Cole” Wilburn and Joshua “Jett” Wilburn of Princeton, WV. “Wonnie” enjoyed watching sports, especially basketball, baseball, and Nascar. His most enjoyment was traveling with the Matoaka Boys Basketball Team to games while hauling the Cheerleading Squad with him. He always provided food for those who could not. He loved visiting his family and friends while sharing his wealth of knowledge of “Knowing Everyone” especially when politics were involved. “Wonnie” never met a stranger. If he did, he would know you and your family before the conversation ended and you would now be considered a “new friend.” He shared his gift of talking with everyone and loved to show his respect for others at funeral home gatherings. You could always count on him passing out his favorite green spearmint candy. This world will miss a good man who lived a good life. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 Friday, September 15, 2023 at Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton, WV with Connie Graham Black, officiating. Friends may visit from noon until the service hour. Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Arrangements by Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.

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Weldon "Wonnie" Graham

November 10, 1929 - September 10, 2023