Dr. Leon Graham Jr. 80, of Chattanooga, Tennessee departed this life and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 24, 2025. Leon was raised in the rural community of Floral Crest, Sand Mountain, Alabama. Floral Crest is so named, as his grandfather, R.G. Peterson, grew flowers there and delivered them to florists in Chattanooga. Leon grew up working in the flower fields, aiding in his family’s livelihood.
Leon was a valedictorian of his 8th grade class on Sand Mountain. His family then moved to Collegedale, where he attended and graduated from Collegedale Academy. While in high school, Leon was an accomplished gymnast and a first place, track runner. Leon graduated from SMC in Collegedale with a degree in Vocational Education, Drafting, and taught at Ooltewah High School for several years.
Then with the encouragement of his brother Ron, and his own determination and ambition, Leon moved his young family to Memphis, where he graduated from Southern College of Optometry as Dr. Leon Graham. After several years, Dr. Graham established his office in Trenton, Georgia, where he practiced, until retiring at the age of 78.
Leon was a man of various skills and hobbies. He was an award winning motorcross rider, a skilled brick mason, sang and played the piano and owned and piloted his airplane.
In spite of losing a leg and wearing a prosthesis, that didn’t stop Leon from being a Senior Olympics, award winning ballroom dancer with Alice and operating his bulldozer as his retirement hobby.
Leon was full of love and laughter, wit and wisdom. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvan Leon Graham Sr. and Lucille Peterson Graham; sister, Florabelle Wear; and brother, Charran Graham.
Dr. Graham is survived by his wife, Alice Bookout Barlew Graham; two sons, Alan (Gina) Graham, and Phillip (Anne) Graham; two step-sons, Jared (Kelly) Barlew and Jordan Barlew; brother, Dr. Ronal (Marie) Graham; five grandchildren, Nathan, Luke, Seth, Aivah and Davon Graham.
A celebration of life service will be held, 1:00 PM Sunday, September 7, 2025, in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Steve Wade officiating. The family will receive friends 12-1 PM Sunday prior to the service.
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.