Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces the death of Mr. Robert "Bob" Hadley Graham, age 78, of Hiawassee, Georgia, who passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at his home.

Bob was born April 25, 1935, in Missoula, Montana, to the late Hadley Earl and the late Katherine Grace (Adams) Graham. He married Carolyn Joan Morelock on September 1, 1957 in Reno, Nevada.

Bob joined the Operating Engineers in 1954 as an equipment lube man and worked his way to Equipment Superintendent prior to his retirement in 1993. He worked on numerous large construction projects, including interstate highways, major tunnel projects and hydro-electric dams. Bob enjoyed elk hunting and Alaskan salmon fishing. Bob was generous and kind-hearted, loved people and easily made friends. In retirement, he enjoyed morning coffee with a group of neighborhood friends; woodworking, cooking and baking with a specialty in Ten Grain Bread and Sourdough Bread. Devoted to his grandchildren, he loved to participate in their activities.

Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn M. Graham, of Hiawassee; three sons: James and wife, Juliet Graham, of Elk Grove, California; John and wife Dena Graham, of Lakeport, California; and Jeff and wife Kathi Graham, of Franklin, North Carolina; brother, Larry and wife, Debbie Graham, of Anchorage, Alaska; sisters, Joanne Klopotek, of Placerville, California; and Ruth Ann Jordan, of College Place, Washington; grandchildren: Jessica, Jaclyn, Chelcee, Madalyn, Tyrell, Avery, Colton and Hadleigh and four great grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by brother, John Graham and sister, Doris Koerber.

Celebration of Life Services will be planned at dates and locations to be determined.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee. Please share your condolences with Bob's family on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.