GRAHAM, Bobby O. (Bob)

The Daily Courier, Prescott Arizona Sunday, February 4, 2007 Bobby O. (Bob) Graham, 70, of Sun City, Arizona, died Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 in Hilo, Hawaii. Bob was born Dec. 2, 1936, in Pampa, Texas, the son of Curtis and Mildred Pollard Graham. He was married to Linda Maddox Graham on March 4, 1988. He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Brian, wife Katie of Phoenix, Ariz.; grandson Andrew Graham of Phoenix, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Susan Sommers of Sun City, Ariz.; two brothers-in-law, Craig Maddox of Acworth, Ga., and Bruce Maddox Atlantic Beach, N.C.; and several nieces, nephews and grandnieces. Bob was a professional musician who began his career in music in the fifth grade, playing the trombone. Early in the sixth grade, he discovered he had an allergy to brass and decided to try guitar. He acquired a book and taught himself to play. Realizing jobs for bass players were more prevalent, he changed instruments again and taught himself to play bass. Bob performed across the United States with such notables as Jay McShann, Warren Covinington, Billy May, Sonny Stitt, Zoot Sims, Tal Farlow, Joe Pass, Herb Ellis, Lanny Morgan, Carl Fontana, Barney Kessel, Keith Greko, Buddy Weed, Rocky Rockwell, Nadine Jansen, Margo Reed, Laurie Johnson, Larry Reed, Glen Brown, Jimmy Caves and others too numerous to mention. There will be a celebration of his life at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Memorial donations may be made to Young Sounds of Arizona, 1203 E. Oak St., Phoenix, Ariz. Bob will be greatly missed by his family and large circle of friends. He will be remembered always as a kind and gentle man. Information provided by survivors.