Graham Davis Wightman Obituary (1933 - 2023)

Graham Davis Wightman February 13, 1933 - December 15, 2023 Graham Davis Wightman, 90, a fifty-year resident of Caton, NY, and most recently of the 176 Denison apartments in Corning, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 15th, and is now in heavenly peace. He was born prematurely on February 13, 1933 to Walter D. and Alice (Kelsey) Wightman of Hamburg, NY, and was kept warm in the kitchen by the stove. Graham endured health issues throughout his life as a result of arriving early, but he never complained and never let it stop him from living a full life of service in the name of our Lord. He also was one of many stalwarts of the Corning community from the 1960s through the 1990s. Oh, and on top of this, he managed to fit in worldwide adventures along the way. Graham grew up in Hamburg but attended school in North Collins, NY, graduating in 1950. He attended the University of Buffalo and was part of AFROTC, graduating with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. He entered the US Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant, serving in Korea soon after the war ended as well as elsewhere. He remained a Captain in the reserves until the early 1970's. Graham attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and graduated with a M.S. in management science. He made his way to Corning Glass Works in 1959. As a newly arrived bachelor, seeing that there was not a great way to meet girls locally, he and a few others created the Corning-Painted Post Young Adult Group. This produced several marriages over time, including his. Graham married Dolores “Dee” Croft on February 29, 1964. As it was a leap year, you might say they were only married 14 years, but officially it was 59. They welcomed two children, Chris and Lisa, along the way. The bulk of Graham’s long career with Corning was in CRT color TV Development, where he and his lab in Houghton Park B-Building were the go-to experts in picture tube failure analysis. One story he related concerned a TV tube that needed to have an implosion test, lack of available equipment in the lab, and the availability of a colleague’s boat on deep Seneca Lake. Engineers do what engineers do, and they were able to test and enjoy a day on the lake in the process. Graham retired in 1995 as Senior Associate and Supervisor, Development Lab. Graham’s heart was always focused on helping others in his community and around the world as a way to bring God’s kingdom to earth. In the book of Matthew, it is said, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Graham's light shone brightly, touching the lives of many and glorifying God. Over the decades, he was a tireless leader and member of too many service activities to count; literally, we have lost count. Graham was a lifelong Presbyterian and served the Lord at First Presbyterian Church of Corning for over half a century. He was a long-time Elder and held many other roles over the years, such as Deacon, planner, and participant in many mission trips throughout the USA and Central America, Freedom Writers, Presbytery representative, lay reader, and countless action committees. He and Dee made some of the closest friends of their lives through a weekly church discussion group of 4-8 families, debating issues of the day and how they impacted our faith and actions. These friendships led to many wonderful trips together over several decades. Graham also served prominently in many community efforts. Highlights include serving as president, officer, or board member for Steuben County Habitat for Humanity (inaugural president), Southeast Steuben County Library, Dayspring, and Sister Cities Association of Corning. He also served humbly in many more ways over the years: Southern Tier Interfaith Coalition, The Red Cross, National Ski Patrol (at The Pinnacle), Southern Tier Rose Society, and many more. It must be said, there was nothing he liked more than a good meeting! Though he was typically quiet and reflective at these, he would absorb the topical discussion and ongoing arguments, until letting a thought-provoking question fly. This could calm the arguing and take the discussion to new, fruitful places. Graham also loved being outdoors and traveling. Either planned separately or in conjunction with a work or service-based event, he and Dee were blessed to travel to just about every US state and well over a dozen countries. He loved sailboat racing (Star class) in his bachelor years at Keuka Lake Yacht Club, backpacking to many places in the nation with good friends, as well as hiking, bird watching, hunting, and fishing. Graham was predeceased by his parents and brother, David Wightman. He is survived by his wife Dee; son, Christopher (Cheryl) Wightman of Corning; daughter, Lisa (Sam) Hammans of Indianapolis, IN; and two grandchildren, Graham Wightman and Chloe Wightman, both of Corning. A celebration of Graham’s life will be held at the family’s convenience in late spring 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church, Corning, with interment in the church garden columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations in Graham’s memory may be made to Steuben County Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 800, Corning, NY 14830, or First Presbyterian Church, 1 East First Street, Corning, NY 14830. Graham's family has entrusted his care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc., www.haugheyfuneralhome.com.