Joe B. Graham
The family of Joe B. Graham invite friends and relatives to join them in a celebration of his life to be held on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at the Claybar Kelly-Watkins Funeral Home on 11th St in Beaumont. The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. with visitation and refreshments following.
Joe was born in Hubbard, Texas on April 8, 1934. and passed away in his home on June 20, 2007.
During the era of the "great depression" Joe?s parents, John and Naomi, and their older children worked as tenant farmers. Often little Joe was placed on a large burlap sack and drug through the fields as his family harvested cotton. The Graham family 5 boys and 2 girls moved to Beaumont in 1937 where, Joe attended school, graduating from South Park High School in 1954. It was there he met Joy Lyle who became his bride on May 24, 1957. They celebrated their 50th anniversary last month.
In the late 60?s Joe opened, Gulf Automotive specializing in Volkswagen repair and restoration. For 35 years, it was a gathering place for racing and VW enthusiast. Customers not only respected Joe?s honesty and ability as a mechanic but enjoyed his wit...and added him to their circle of friends. In 1997, Joe closed his shop, but after a brief retirement became a service writer and parts man for Beaumont Frame and Front End where he worked for 9 years.
Always a lover of fast cars, Joe raced on dirt tracks from the age of 14 until he was 71. Over the years he won at least 30 championship, locally and out of state. He was well respected by his peers and had many fans, to whom he donated hundreds of feature trophies.
Joe is survived by his wife Joy, son Lyle and his wife Karen; his daughter Johanna Heitzmann and her husband Buddie, his sister, Hope Marie Weaver and husband James: his brother, J.W. Dub Graham and wife Roseann; eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, Joe?s love of life was contagious and had a profound affect on the people he was around. Surely, the angels are rejoicing at his arrival in heaven.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Fellowship Worship Center , 3965 Phelan, #107, Beaumont, Texas 77707.