Fonzie Graham

Today, we attended the funeral services for my uncle, Fonzie Graham. He was 91. Uncle Fonzie enjoyed life - especially his family and his horses. He was married to my Aunt Nell for 64 years before she passed away several years ago. They had four children, 12 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. In recent years, he was also close to a lady friend, Mavis Burton. They attended First Christian Church in Campton. Uncle Fonzie professed a strong christian faith and was a very giving man. If you ever visited him, you couldn't get away without eating an apple or taking some home grown vegetables with you as you left. Next to his family, Uncle Fonzie loved his horses. He was always anxious to show them to everyone. Many outstanding horses passed through his hands including Dock, Pete, Ben Jordan, and a horse that came to be known as Stoner Ridge Tom Cat that we were priviliged to own at one time. His herd of mares produced some great horses. He often traded back and forth with E.R. Davis. Uncle Fonzie and Vernon Stamper were also partners on several horses and worked together for years. It was through my uncle that we came to learn about the Rocky Mountain breed because he was one of the original members of the board of that association. He also owned the farm at one time where the Kentucky Equestrian Center is now located in Winchester. Bob and I began our married life together on that farm as well. His influence has been far-reaching. He will be greatly missed.