Jere Daniel "Danny" Graham

Jere Daniel “Danny” Graham, age 78, resident of Oakland, Tennessee, died on March 13, 2025 at his residence.

Danny was born in Somerville, Tennessee on June 26, 1946 to the late Buck Graham and Leona Jane Diffee Graham. He was a 1964 graduate of Fayette County High School and a member of the Tennessee National Guard.

Danny devoted 38 years of his life to firefighting, beginning his career with Somerville Fire Department as one of its first full time firefighters. He later went on to the Memphis Fire Department where he served as a driver on Truck 9 at Station 10 for many years. His Memphis fire department colleagues referred to him as “Pockets” because when they stood next to him all they saw were his pockets. In addition to his firefighting career, he was an electrician beginning his career with Buff Electric at a young age.

Danny was deeply rooted in his community and his faith was very important to him. He was a member of the St. Philip Catholic Church in Somerville and his vibrant personality and ability to be a practical jokester was evident in all aspects of his life. He was a devoted NASCAR fan and enjoyed the thrill of races. He was very proud of “Baby”, his 1932 Ford Coupe street rod and took great pride in showcasing it at car shows.

He treasured the time spent with his family. Danny’s legacy will continue through the many lives he touched as a loving family man, firefighter, electrician and friend. He will be remembered for his professional achievements, but more so for the joy, laughter and love he brought into the lives of others.

Danny is survived by his wife of 28 years, Theresa Dauer Graham; one son, Troy Graham (Cynthia); one daughter, Stephanie Andrews (Jonathon); one sister, Rose Wainscott (Mike) and two grandchildren, Sean Andrews and Hayes Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Leona Graham and one sister, Margaret Jane Skelton.

Funeral Services for Danny were held at 3 P.M. Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland, with Monsignor J. Edwin Creary officiating. Interment followed at Rehoboth Cemetery.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers were BB Barker, Tony Redwine, Jerry Crawford, Hugh Doyle, William Ratcliff and Chris Sullivan. Honorary pallbearers were EH “Spike” Steinert, Ray Seals, Gary Rich, Aubrey Green, Jimmy Williams and Eddie Niles.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Mid-South Raptor Center, 1176 Dearing Road, Memphis, TN 38117-6148 or St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, 11710 US Highway 64, Somerville, TN 38068.