Ronald Wayne Graham, 75

Ronald Wayne Graham, 75, of Monticello, went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, July 28, 2025, at his home.  He was born March 19, 1950, in Pine Bluff to the late William Franklin “Red” Graham and Gertie Lou Reed Graham.

He was a retired educator/pastor and a member of First Baptist Church of Monticello.  Ron’s hobbies included reading history, keeping up with the latest in politics and spending time in Bible study. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles William Graham; and a nephew, Jimmy Darrell Graham.

Ronald was a graduate of Pine Bluff High School before obtaining his Diploma of Theology from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.  Upon completion from Mid-America, he then received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Arkansas Tech University.  Ron’s employment began at Pine Bluff Building Materials in 1978 where he was Carpet Department Manager before becoming the Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Shipshewana, Ind.  After serving there for three years, he spent a year as the music and youth director at First Baptist Church of Gravette, three years as Pastor of Pottsville Baptist Church and a period of time as Pastor of Trinity Baptist Fellowship also in Pottsville.  After those years of pastoral service, he was a teacher at Abundant Life Schools in North Little Rock and then at Drew Central Schools where he retired as a social studies, civics and geography teacher

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joy Lynn Wisner Graham of Monticello; a son, Jared Graham (Alysha) of Montgomery, Texas; a sister, Kathy Graham Campbell of Pine Bluff; two grandchildren, Brantley Shane Walters and Madelynn Renae Graham both of Montgomery, Texas; a nephew, Bill Graham (Erika) of Judsonia; and two great nephews, Nicholas Graham (Alexia) of Virginia and Eric Graham (Ashley) of Little Rock.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Monday, August 4, 2025, at First Baptist Church.  There will be a visitation one hour preceding the funeral service from 2-3 p.m. at the church.  Burial will be in Good Faith Cemetery in Pine Bluff.