Palestine, Texas - Charles Gerald Graham passed peacefully on a rainy Sunday afternoon, July 13, 2025, at the TruCare Living Center in Palestine, TX at the age of 91.

Gerald was born on January 5, 1934, in Montalba, TX to Roy and Edna Graham. While he spent his early years there, the war prompted his family to move to Baton Rouge, LA for several years before returning to Anderson County for high school. After graduating from Cayuga High School in 1952, he went to work painting oil storage tanks and refineries in west Texas and New Mexico.

In 1955, Gerald would marry the love of his life, Hilda Kimbrough, and they would embark on a journey that would last for the next 70 years. After painting several years in the oilfield industry, he would transition to house painting in Midland, TX. In 1959, they would return to Anderson County, to what Gerald often referred to as "God's Country", to start a family. He would soon build a reputation as one of the best painters in the area and was highly sought after for both residential and commercial buildings for over four decades until his retirement.

He loved the outdoors, growing a large garden each year, and caring for a herd of cattle. He was passionate about hunting and fishing, and shared that passion with his boys, followed soon by his grandchildren. He was a devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Edna Graham, his sister, Sue Morris; and nephews Earl Cotton and Lee Morris. He is survived by his wife Hilda Graham of Montalba; three sons; Rodger and his wife Susan of Jacksonville, TX; Roy Gerald Graham and his wife Judi of South Carolina; and Charles and his wife Heather of Ardmore, OK,; grandchildren: Joshua, Christy, Rodger, Jr., John,

Weston, William, Walter, Hannah, and Hailey; great-grandchildren: Dakota and Kaitlyn, and great-great-grandchildren: Elliott, Hagen, and Greyson; his sister Lois and husband John Scott of Montalba; niece Becky and her husband Rex Terry, and son Cooper Terry of Rosharon, TX: Pallbearers honoring Gerald are his grandsons: Joshua, Rodger, Jr., John, Weston, William, and Walter Graham.

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, July 19 th at 9:00 A.M. at Friendship Baptist Church.

Funeral services will follow at 10:00 A.M. with Duane Neel and Lynn Stroud officiating. The burial will follow immediately after at Rock Church Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey and Foster Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Friendship Baptist Church Maine Mission Fund, 7220 FM 860, Montalba, TX 75853; Rock Church Cemetery, P.O. Box 106, Montalba, TX 75853; or a charity of your choice.

To view online leave condolences or sign the guest book go to www.baileyandfoster funeral home.com.