eType Editor

Wilbur Travis Graham, 91, passed from this life on February 25, 2025, following a brief illness. Travis was born in Leslie on February 13, 1934, the only son of Wilbur Graham and Lois Smiley Graham who preceded him in death as well as his only daughter, Lora Jean Rose. He is survived by his wife, Lynda of the home, one son, Kristopher Travis Graham of Shirley (Sherry), one grandson, Kristopher Travis Graham II of Fairfield Bay, two sisters, Roberta Graham Meeks of Fort Myers, Fla., and Madeline Graham Green of Booneville, Ark. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews. Growing up, Travis was a member of Leslie Methodist Church where he attended when home. He graduated from Leslie High School in 1951 and from there attended ASTC in Conway. He then taught school in Shirley, but later joined the Air Force serving in the CONUS and in Okinawa during that time. Travis always loved Leslie, so following his years in the service, he returned home. He later moved to Little Rock where he worked for Leon (Sonny) Wilson for several years in the school system there. Travis then moved to Oklahoma City and worked at Tinker Air Force Base where he later retired. Upon retirement, he moved back to Arkansas and the Leslie area, moving just recently to Denard where he made his home until his passing. Travis loved being in the outdoors and spent his younger days hunting and fishing. One of his many talents was his musical abilities which included playing many instruments and playing in the Leslie Band as well as the college orchestra. Travis was a close friend of the late Jimmy Driftwood, author of “The Tennessee Stud” and “Battle of New Orleans,” spending many evenings and weekends with him playing music. He also loved to spend his evenings on the downtown square in Leslie visiting with his friends. Travis was uniquely talented in woodworking and made many beautiful pieces of cabinetry for the home. He had a “green thumb” and loved gardening, making a garden every year including just last year at the age of 90. Travis was a patriot and a proud veteran and had many friends and relatives who mourn his passing. He will be laid to rest in the Leslie Cemetery. Celebration of Life services are pending.