There has been widespread sadness following the death of Willie (James William) Graham, aged 89, of 11 Trasna Way, Lisnaskea, peacefully at the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen on February 10.

Willie was born on December 29, 1933 in Bunnahesco, Lisbellaw to James and Annie Graham.

His twin sister, Violet (Hughes), was born at midnight and Willie an hour and 10 mins later, which gave them a split birthday; he also had a younger brother, Freddie, who sadly passed away in 2019.

The family then moved to Innishrath Island, where his dad became a gardener to Sir Henry Butler; then moved to Stragowna, Kinawley, where he went to school; then moved to Gortgorgan, Derrylin, where Freddie’s wife, Edie, still lives.

Willie went to work with the Council, then went to work in a factory in Coventry for a few years, and then came back home to work with the Council again.

He also served part-time in the 1950s in the Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers (Skins) TA.

He met his wife, Muriel (Kernaghan), in 1959; they married on February 6, 1961, and set up home in a cottage on Main Street, Derrylin.

They went on to have four children: Lavinia, Gloria, Sandra and Ronald.

Willie left the Council in 1970 and moved to Lisnaskea, and started work with the Housing Executive, from which he retired in the mid-90s.

He loved growing vegetables, which he did up to the last few years; in the end, he grew shallots in his back yard, when he could no longer manage his allotment.

Up until the last year, he walked into town to get the papers and had a wee breakfast with his daughter, Sandra.

He was a familiar figure in Lisnaskea. Willie enjoyed watching darts, snooker, football, ruby and quiz shows.

He leaves his four children, Lavinia (Trevor), Gloria (Cecil/Sammy), Sandra (Richard) and Ronald (Dawn); seven grandchildren, Wayne (Emma), Dean, Melissa (Gary), Tara (Ryan), Blake, Claudia and Saskia, as well as four great-grandchildren, Rory, Lorenna, Alia and Jaxon; his twin sister, Violet, and her sons, Adrian and Brian and their families; Freddie’s wife, Edie, and son and daughter Trevor and Diane, and their families.

Willie’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as the extended family, will miss him deeply.

His funeral service was held in Christ Church Maguiresbridge on February 13, followed by burial in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Lisnaskea, conducted by Rev. Lindsey Farrell.

The funeral arrangements were by Mr. Noel Robinson, Dowler’s Funeral Services, Lisnaskea.