Raymond R. Graham, 91, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Wednesday, August 2, surrounded by family. He was born in Burwell, Nebraska to Erwin and Francis (Sebesta) Graham.

He was the eldest of nine children, growing up on a small farm in the sand hills of Nebraska. He traveled to Oregon with his cousin and met the love of his life, Marlys Exe, who soon became his wife. They had three children: Gary, Doug, and Lory. They were married 63 years before Marlys passed away in 2013.

Ray started his career as a pipe fitter and traveled to job sites installing sprinkler systems. He worked on several large reservoir jobs until Ray and Marlys settled in Sweet Home in 1963. He worked for Willamette Industries as a pipe fitter for more than 20 years and proceeded to build a mobile home park. They owned and operated Trailer Villa for 34 years.

Ray was always the life of the party. He had such an infectious sense of humor, people were always drawn to him. He loved to hunt and fish. He truly loved the outdoors. Alaska was his ultimate favorite place on the earth. He had many stories to tell about his adventures.

Ray is survived by son Douglas Graham; daughter Lory Cirillo; six grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlys; and son Gary.

Celebration of Ray’s life will be at 6:00 p.m., Monday, August 14, at Lory Cirillo’s residence: 27091 Old Holley Road, Sweet Home. Final inurnment will be in the Mausoleum at Willamette Memorial Park in Albany.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.