Bill "Eddie" Graham, 76, passed away on March 15, 2025, in Newport, Washington. Born on October 13, 1948, in Baker, Oregon, he lived a life defined by integrity, adventure, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Raised in Baker County, Bill graduated from Baker High School in 1967. He often joked that he was related to half the county and his wife was related to the other half so they couldn't get away with much but they sure had fun trying. His roots run deep in the community where he was born and raised, and those connections remained meaningful throughout his life.

Bill's professional journey began right after high school when he joined the Forest Service. He loved the outdoors and found joy working in the mountains. But his desire to see more of the country led him to become a long-haul truck driver. From behind the wheel of a big rig, he saw all but five states; an experience that satisfied his wanderlust and gave him stories for a lifetime.

After twelve years on the road, Bill returned home to pursue a lifelong dream: a career in law enforcement. He joined the Baker County Sheriff's Department and was soon promoted to Chief of Corrections. It was a role he cherished deeply. Though he received generous offers of support to run for Sheriff, he declined them all. "I'm not a politician," he would say. "I'm the Chief and I like it this way!" He was Chief to many who knew him and always will be.

Following his retirement from law enforcement, Bill took his wife home to Alaska where he built a house and became active in his church community. He helped launch a program to feed local families and spent treasured time with his children and grandchildren, always putting family first.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Janiece his high school sweetheart, best friend, and partner in crime for 59 years as well as their three children: Tammy, Heidi, and Philip. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Jaz, Joe, Brent, Riley, Ali, and Hailey; one great-grandson, Al and his sister Judy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Violet Graham, and his brother Sy Graham.

Bill lived fully and passionately. He was an artist across multiple genres, a musician, and master leather carver, yet never boasted about his talents. He enjoyed painting, woodworking, hiking, exploring, camping, and especially hunting at the ranch with his best friends and cousins: Nathan, Dean, and Linda. His humility matched his skill; he was a man who let his actions speak louder than words.

Those who knew him best describe him as honest, hard-working, fair, ethical, and dependable. He had a way with words, sayings that will echo in our memories forever. We all know he's still "finer than frog hair," even if he never did have "a million dollars and a truck load of spending money." Material things didn't matter to Bill; what mattered was family. He taught by example: work hard, be honest, show compassion and always put family first.

He was Bill-Eddie-sweetheart-dad-grandpa-and friend to many.

Even near the end of his life, Bill remained fiercely protective of those he loved. He left us instructions of how he wanted us to go on without him and made clear how things should be done when he was gone. As he often reminded us: "Rank has its privileges," and no one will ever outrank him in our hearts. Therefore, in accordance with his final wishes, and exactly as he asked, there will be no service.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and carry forward the values he lived by every day.