Larry Gene Graham, 83, of Salem, Virginia, passed away surrounded by loved ones and into the arms of his Savior on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

More than anything, Larry will be remembered for the kind of man he was-a man who simply didn't know the word "quit." He was always on the go, whether he was working, building a house, serving on a committee at church, tinkering with antique cars, or sitting in the stands cheering on one of his grandchildren. He was happiest when he was busy, especially when that meant doing something for the people he loved.

His faith and his church family at Bethel Baptist Church were an important part of his life. Over the years, Larry faithfully served the church in countless ways. He taught Sunday School in the children's department for more than 15 years and served on the Benevolence Committee, Properties Committee, and the Pastor Search Committee that called the church's current pastor. He had a heart for investing in the next generation and took youth on mission trips with World Changers, always willing to give his time and talents wherever they were needed.

Never afraid of hard work, Larry had a way of turning ideas into reality. He helped build the church's food pantry and had the vision for what would eventually become the church's Recreational Outreach Center (ROC). Long before that vision became a reality, he confidently said, "If you build it, they will come." His years at Bethel reflected the way he lived his life: serving others, working with his hands and sharing his love for Christ.

Surveying was much more than a career for Larry; it was a significant part of his life. He retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 1998 as Survey Manager and later continued doing the work he loved for several years with Mattern & Craig in downtown Roanoke. As a licensed land surveyor, he spent countless hours and walked countless miles through fields and brush, doing work that required patience, precision, determination, and a strong work ethic-all qualities that came naturally to him. Over the years, surveying became a family affair as well. He often brought his children along to lend a hand, along with neighbor and family friends Ben Hudgins and Tim Caldwell, turning long days of work into memories that would last a lifetime.

But of all the roles Larry held throughout his life, none meant more to him than being a husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa. His love for his family could be seen in the smile on his face whenever they were together. He proudly shared with others about his children and grandchildren whenever he could. He was one proud grandpa! The lessons he taught, the example he set, and the countless memories he created will continue to live on through the loved ones into whom he poured so much of himself.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Carl "Watson" Graham and Helen Virginia Graham; his brothers, Earl Graham, Kenneth Graham, Ronnie Graham, and Mark Graham; and his grandson, Zachary Graham.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Donna Graham; his children, Dwayne Graham and wife Kathy, Greg Graham and wife Beth, and Kaitlyn Belcher and James Hinkle; his grandchildren, Josh Graham and wife Tori, Phoebe Graham, Matthew Graham, Olivia Graham, John Graham, Watson Belcher, Kennedy Belcher, and Hunter Hinkle; and his great-grandchildren, Aubree Graham, Riley Graham, and Zach Graham. He is also survived by his brother, Allen Graham and wife Susan; his sister, Vickie Graham; as well as many extended family members, church family, and friends who were blessed to know and love him.

The family will welcome friends for a time of visitation on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the Worship Center at Bethel Baptist Church, 1601 S. Colorado Street, Salem. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Worship Center at Bethel Baptist with Pastor Hilton Jeffreys officiating. Interment will be held privately in Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Spare Change Fund at Bethel Baptist Church which Larry collected for each Sunday.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.