Charles William Graham
November 19, 1925 – May 10, 2022
Charles William Graham peacefully passed away on May 10, 2022 at his Ventura, CA home surrounded by his family after a long illness. He was 96.
Born at Mercy Hospital in San Diego, CA, Mr. Graham graduated from Hoover High School in 1943 and attended San Diego State College where he affiliated with Omega Xi fraternity. He served as 2nd Lt. USAF in World War II. After spending five years in the finance business, he joined Dick Grihalva Buick in 1951, becoming General Manager Vice President. He moved with his family to Omaha, NE in 1958 as owner of Charlie Graham Buick and became a 1963 member of General Motors President’s Advisory Council. He served as President of the Omaha New Car Dealers Association in 1965 and on the Nebraska New Car Dealers Board of Directors. He was a member of the Supreme Court Nominating Committee for the State of Nebraska, a member of Rotary Club, Century Club, Better Business Bureau Board of Directors, and other civic organizations. While in Omaha, he sponsored many Little League and Pony League teams and the five-time Metro Champion Fast Pitch Softball Team. He was a loyal booster of University of Nebraska football. Mr. Graham retired in 1977, moving to Channel Islands Harbor, CA. Boating, fishing, and golf were favorite pastimes. He achieved bridge Life Master certification and was a Master chess player. The Grahams returned to their homebase in 1987, residing in Rancho Bernardo, CA then made their final home in Ventura, CA to be closer to family in 2018. Charlie was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Norine (Nora) Templeton Graham and is survived by his beloved children Charlene Welty (William), Scott Graham, Carol Sautter (Jeffrey); grandsons Chad Sautter (Kim) and Ryan Sautter; great-grandchildren Zachary and Kayla Sautter; sister-in-law Sue Graham and many nieces and nephews. Private family services are planned in Ventura.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.