Lonnie Daniel Graham, age 88, of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, father of Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, September 12, 2025, at The Waters of Shelbyville, with loved ones by his side.
A native of Bedford County, Lonnie was born on December 18, 1936, to the late J.V. “Popeye” Graham and Rubye Florence Riddle Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Elnora Maye Graham; son, Derry Gayle “Crunchy” Graham; and daughter-in-law, Sherry Denise “Punkin” Graham.
Lonnie attended Shelbyville Central High School and dedicated many years of service as a machinist with Schmide and American Can, retiring in 1999. On February 14, 1957, he married Allie Joan Gayle. Together they shared over 68 years of unwavering love, raising a family and building a life rooted in faith and devotion.
In his free time, Lonnie enjoyed working on the family farm and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a longtime member of Edgemont Baptist Church, where he found fellowship and strength in his faith.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Allie Joan Gayle Graham; children, Dana Tiffany Graham and Chad Donovan Graham, both of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Desiraee Nicole (Jason) Biggs, Derica Autumn (Karl) Pyrdom, Nikita Lea (Shawn) Hampton, Brittany Danielle (Kye) Finch, and Daryl Lunden Graham; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Carman Dwight Graham of Manchester, Jay Harlin Graham of Shelbyville, and Maurice Virgil Graham of
Richmond, Virginia.
A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Edgemont Baptist Church, with Maurice V. Graham, Aaron Graham, and Pastor Jimmy West officiating. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving memorial donations to the Child/Community Development Center of Bedford County, 111 Eaglette Way, Shelbyville, TN 37160.
Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.
www.doakhowellfuneralhome.com
