Pierce Lawton Graham came into this world on Dec. 14, 1936 at Tri-State Hospital, Shreveport, LA (now Willis Knighton Hospital North). He was the son of Lettie Lawton and Pierce Alexander Graham, and grandson of Lettie Slaughter and Dr. W. B. Lawton.

Pierce graduated from Byrd High School and attended LSU and Centenary College of Louisiana where he majored in math. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. While at Centenary he met the love of his life, Joy Sutherland, and they were married in 1958. Pierce and Joy celebrated their love for over 58 years.

Preceding Pierce in meeting his maker were his parents and his sister Joyce Graham Roberts and her husband, Bruce M. Roberts.

Pierce began his career in building with his father, P. A. Graham who built many fine homes in Shreveport. He later joined with Dala W. Smith in forming Cherokee Construction Co, where they built commercial buildings and architectural homes in the area. In later years, Graham Inspections and Graham and Sutherland LLC were formed.

He served as president of N. W. LA Chapter of Associated General Contractors; he was also president of the Men's Camelia Club becoming an accredited judge for the American Camelia Society, Shreveport Country Club, University Club and the Crisis Intervention Center. Pierce was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Pierce Lawton Graham is survived by his wife of 59 years, two sons James Alexander Graham and wife, Jacki, Pierce Sutherland Graham, wife Dorothy, two grandchildren Christopher James Graham and wife Kayleigh and Lauren Michele Graham, and a great grandson Cayson Colt Graham. In addition, Pierce is survived by his cousins, Julia Hamiter Andress and Elizabeth Hamiter Allen, nieces Jennifer Roberts Beason and Barbara Roberts Carlton, and nephew, Bruce Graham Roberts.

Pierce is now with his heavenly father and requests that all rejoice in that knowledge. A private graveside service will be held before a memorial service on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, 2:00 PM, at First Baptist Church, Shreveport, Dr. Jeff Raines, officiating. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or the charity of your choice.