ENROLLED
2016 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 124
BY REPRESENTATIVES SEABAUGH AND CARMODY
A RESOLUTION
To commend posthumously R.W. "Buzzy" Graham of Alexandria, former state
representative and delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1973.
WHEREAS, it was with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
Louisiana House of Representatives learned of the death of R.W. "Buzzy" Graham, former
state representative from Alexandria, on Friday, December 19, 2014, at the age of seventy-
seven, and it is appropriate that he be commended posthumously for his tremendous
contributions to the people of this state; and
WHEREAS, on July 7, 1937, in Shreveport, Louisiana, R.W. "Buzzy" Graham, son
of the late Bess and Warren Graham, took his first breath as a legendary Louisianian; and
WHEREAS, in 1955, Mr. Graham graduated from Bolton High School, and he
earned a bachelor of science degree from Louisiana State University, where he was a
member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity, in 1959; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from LSU, Mr. Graham enlisted in the United States
Army National Guard, where he attained the rank of captain; and
WHEREAS, from 1968 until 1972, Mr. Graham, one of the youngest legislators in
the state at that time, served a highly effective term as a member of the Louisiana House of
Representatives, using every opportunity as an able and productive legislator to serve his
constituency in Grant Parish and Rapides Parish and all citizens of the state in an honorable
and dedicated manner; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Graham steadfastly endeavored to improve the welfare of his fellow
citizens, and his legislative accomplishments were numerous; he served with diligence as
a member of the House Committee on Insurance, the House Committee on Judiciary A, and
the House Committee on Public Works and Institutions; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Graham was a proud member of the group of legislators known as
the "Young Turks" who were determined to rid the legislature of its antiquated ways and
bring it into the twentieth century and who were dubbed as such by a reporter in reference
to the leaders of a Turkish revolt who reformed the Ottoman Empire; and
WHEREAS, upon the completion of his legislative service, Mr. Graham served in
the administration of Governor Edwin Edwards as his executive secretary; and
WHEREAS, in October of 1973, Mr. Graham was appointed by Governor Edwards
as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1973, and he contributed significantly to
constitutional revisions that greatly furthered the authority of the legislature as a coequal
branch of government; he also served as president of the nonprofit group Committee for the
Constitution; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Graham's name is etched into the annals of convention history in
a verse of a memorable song penned by Moise W. Dennery, convention secretary, and sung
on the final day of the convention to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne": Judge Albert Tate goes
to the mike / To speak of draft and style / As Graham, Gravel, and Robert Pugh / All visit in
each aisle; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Graham remained in the insurance business until his retirement as
vice chairman of Risk Services of Louisiana, and he was an active member of his community
through his participation with the Alexandria Jaycees and the Alexandria/Pineville Chamber
of Commerce, as a Shriner, and as a member of the Kiwanis Club, the LSU Alumni
Association, and the Masonic Lodge, where he was a past Master of Oliver Lodge No. 84;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Graham was also an avid hunter, fisherman, scuba diver, and pilot,
and he shared many wonderful moments at his camp, Catfish Point Club, in Greenville,
Mississippi, with friends and family; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Graham's beloved wife of fifty-five years, Carol Parker Graham,
passed away on Easter eve in 2016; he is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Ginger
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Niemann and her husband John, Leslie Letbetter, Piper Glasgow and her husband Ray, and
Peyton Mayeaux and her husband James; ten grandchildren, Ashton Niemann Keller (Zane),
Chip Niemann, Kendall Niemann, Ashley Letbetter Green (Trey), Evans Glasgow, Braden
Glasgow, Emily Glasgow, Thomas Mayeaux, Graham Mayeaux, and Maxfield Mayeaux;
one great granddaughter, Chloe Grace Green; his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Larry and
Graham and his wife Peggy; and numerous nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Graham will forever be respected and remembered by his fellow
citizens for his singular contributions and for his steadfast commitment to his family, friends,
community, state, and nation.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend posthumously former state representative
R.W. "Buzzy" Graham of Alexandria, does hereby recognize that he will forever be
remembered, respected, and admired by the many citizens whose lives he touched, including
members of the legislative family who still mourn the loss of this wonderful man who served
his state and the legislative institution so well, and does hereby record for posterity the
enduring appreciation of the citizens of Louisiana for his outstanding contributions and
achievements, particularly during his tenure as a distinguished member of the Louisiana
House of Representatives and a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1973.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of R.W. "Buzzy" Graham.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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