On April 25, 2025, Donald Ronnie Graham transitioned into eternal peace at the age of 88 at Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Affectionately known as “Snooks”, he was the only child born to the late Lula Mae Graham (Burth) and Al Smith. Donald was born and raised in Washington, DC and attended DC Public Schools. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he honorably served his country for two years. During his service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged in 1964. He graduated from Armstrong Adult Center and went on to attend Federal City College.

Donald loved driving and started as a cab driver for Washington National Airport (now known as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport). In 1965 he became a courier for American Carrier Corporation before joining Metro in 1972 as a bus driver where he received three safe driving awards. He always had that entrepreneurial spirit and after working at Metro for several years, he started his own limousine business, Graham’s Limousine Service. His clients were many and varied and he served them all with professionalism, charm and a warm smile. He was widely recognized for his impeccable service and was always requested and referred by repeat clients.

Donald had a deep love for the water, especially boating and water skiing, the latter in his younger years. He loved entertaining friends and family at home and on the water, he found joy and freedom in those moments. Donald and his wife, Shirley, lovingly took in his niece, Marcita, after the passing of her grandmother, raising her as part of their family.

His compassion extended beyond people to all living creatures and he had a special bond with animals and was known to take in a stray or two. Donald loved history and cherished stories of the past and could often be found sharing tales from different eras. His passion for learning was infectious and his memory for detail impressed all who knew him. His wisdom and humor will be missed.

He was a long time member of District Yacht Club and Seafarer’s Yacht Club in Washington, DC and was known for his zest for life, love of good company and his ability to turn any gathering into a celebration. He was a charter member of the Washington Midtown Lions Club, District 22-C and a proud member of American Legion Post #170, where he stayed active in the community, until his health declined, and built meaningful relationships.

Preceded in death by his son, Larry Graham; his daughter, Christina Graham; and his granddaughters, Stephanie L. Jett, and Latosha Graham, Donald is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Shirley Graham; his daughters Donna Hall (Kerry); Tonya Mitchell; his son Roland Cooper, his niece, Marcita, whom he raised as a daughter, 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and a host of other loving extended family and caring friends.

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