Roll Call Tribute

Denis John Graham
December 31, 1949 - May 2, 2021

Denis John Graham was born in Cameron, Missouri on December 31, 1949.

Denis is preceded in death by his mother, Angela Angelilli, and father, John Edward Graham.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carey, his children, son Bryan Graham and wife, Concepcion, daughter Lindsey Agers '05 and husband, Todd '01; Denis' amazing grandchildren, Charlie and River Graham, and Josey and Jackson Agers. He is also survived by his sisters, Karen Cunningham (John), Patricia Weiskopf (George), Susan King, and Rebecca Culkar (William), the Fergusons, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Denis spent his early childhood in Tampa, Florida. After high school, Denis joined the U.S. Army in 1971 and served as a Corporal Specialist, Fourth Class in Panama; a country he grew to love. During his military service, he met the love of his life, Carey Ferguson, whom he married after receiving an honorable discharge in 1973. Shortly after their marriage, Denis enrolled at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas - graduating with a BS in Ocean Engineering in 1976.

After graduation, Denis began his longtime, successful career in the oil and gas industry - eventually becoming Vice President of Operations at Diamond Offshore Drilling. At Diamond, Denis was responsible for providing contract drilling services to the energy industry which consisted of building offshore drilling rigs, semisubmersibles, and dynamically positioned drillships around the globe. In 2000, he joined Parker Drilling as Vice President of Engineering, specializing in arctic drilling - with the Yastreb land rig in Sakhalin Island being the pinnacle of his career. After his retirement in 2012, Denis continued to contract with Exxon Mobil for a time on the Berkut platform in Korea, as well as the Krechet project in Brownsville, Texas.

Denis spent 30 years building his career and raising children in the Sugar Land area before retiring to the Galveston community in 2011. Retirement was an amazing time in Denis' life. It gave him the opportunity to do more of what he enjoyed most: fishing, camping and traveling with Carey, and spending time with those closest to him. He and Carey often entertained at their Galveston home - a gathering place for both the Graham and Ferguson families. He loved playing games - especially 42 and Texas Hold ‘Em or, as he named them, “Denis Wins!”. He loved being surrounded by his kids and grandkids, who visited frequently and helped create wonderful memories. He was the beach house handyman and “go-to guy” for any home project in the neighborhood – always able-bodied and looking to be helpful.

Denis Graham was a unique, focused, and hard-working man who excelled in both his profession and as the cornerstone for his family. He will be remembered for his loyalty, dry wit, and ability to have a good time.

The family sincerely thanks all for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time, and asks that in lieu of sending flowers you please share a story about Denis, make a donation to Artist Boat (or one of Denis' other favorites: Sea Base of Galveston, Texas A&M scholarships, or Texas State Parks) ... or just raise a glass! Links to the suggested charities and scholarships are provided in the "Give" section of this memorial website.

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