Dennis E. “Denny” Graham was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to the late Ewing G. Graham and Lena Catherine Graham on January 7, 1948. He attended Jonesboro High School and graduated in 1966. He went on to attend Arkansas State University. During that time, he loved ROTC and planned to go into the Army. He passed all physicals, traveled to Memphis to receive his issued uniforms, received the nice buzzed haircut, and had one last physical exam and immunizations. To his disappointment, he was told one leg was shorter than the other and was put on a bus and sent home. A lot of men would have been relieved, but Denny was very disappointed because he wanted to serve his country. That’s just the type of person he was. He lived to help, serve, and love others.

Denny was a dedicated part of the Southridge Fire Department since 1981. For most of his time with the department, he served as assistant fire chief and training officer. At the time of his death, he was assistant fire chief, training officer, treasurer, and was serving on the board of directors. During his tenure, he was also named Fireman of the Year. The fire department’s growth was very important to Denny. He was instrumental in reducing the district’s ISO rating from a Class 9 rating to a Class 4, where it remains today. He was constantly working to acquire equipment and played a significant role in the district expanding from one fire station to three. Under his leadership the department experienced significant growth, which he was insurmountably proud of.

Denny was devoted to his family and was a loving husband to his wife, Marcia, and father to his children, Stefanie, Daniel, and Jessica.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, or gardening. He never met a stranger, and his death left a huge void in all our hearts. His family is honored for him to be recognized. He may be gone, but he is never forgotten.