William “Willie” Michael Graham, 19, of Lawson, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 17, 2026, in Excelsior Springs. Willie was born on October 6, 2006, in Liberty.
Survivors include his mother, Ashley Berry; his father, Joshua Bingham, and stepmother, Tiffany Bingham; father, David Sparks; his two beloved daughters, Paris Graham and Emersyn McGarity; his siblings, Ryan and Michelle Graham, Dillan Graham, Tanner Graham, Jax Brockhaus, Aayla Graham, Austin Sparks, Mykayla Sparks, Jacob, Cole, CJ, Megan, Madison, Patience, and Gordan; his grandparents, Shellie and Vern Burch, Cheryl Graham, Bruce Birkenbine, Sharon Dixon, and Laurie Dixon; great-grandmother, Carolyn Berry (“Gangster Granny”); his aunts and uncles, Sunnie and Paul Chesney, Derek Mick, and Julie Anderson; and his cousins, Ayden Kinnard, Peyton Fields, Abigail Chesney, Patience Chesney, and Gunner Mick; and nephew, Ryder Graham; many additional family members not included also survive.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Terry Goodeagle.
Willie will be remembered for his unforgettable smile, contagious laugh, and ornery personality that could brighten any room. He had a gift for making others laugh, whether it was through one of his jokes, his playful antics, or one of his famous “wet Willies.” Those who knew him will always remember his fun-loving spirit and the joy he brought to every gathering.
More than anything, Willie loved being a father. His daughters, Paris and Emersyn, were the greatest joys of his life, and he treasured every moment he spent with them. He also had a passion for collecting Hot Wheels, a hobby that earned him the nickname “Steaming Willie Beaming.” Though his time here was far too short, the laughter he shared, the love he gave, and the countless memories he created will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Willie Graham Memorial Fund. Contributions may be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street, P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085. Or you may leave a contribution to his memorial fund at https://gofund.me/575f84b8c.
Visitation and memorial services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., with memorial services following at 2:00 p.m. Inurnment will be held at a later date.
Please remember to share your memories of Willie with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
