TO FIND a couple involved in Tullahoma, look no further than Ralph and Rosie Graham. Known for their work, service, and 52-year marriage, the Grahams are one of the most well-known couples in the area. Given their rich and fascinating history, it’s no surprise.
“They are one of those couples that are just invited everywhere because they are fun company to have around,” longtime friend Vickie Shelton said. “You love to have them at a dinner party because they’re so interesting.”
Ralph and Rosie met in 1970 in Houston, Texas, working for NASA and IBM, respectively, on the Apollo moon project.
“We actually met there on a blind date, but we always say the moon brought us together,” Rosie said. “It was a very exciting time.”
In 1976, they moved to Tullahoma for Ralph’s job at the Arnold Engineering Development Center, where they stayed and raised their two children: Emily and Erin. Rosie began teaching computer science at Motlow State Community College in 1983 and remained an adjunct professor, even in retirement. Ralph’s retirement led him to landscape design, and he has designed more than 130 projects in the past 20 years.
“[Ralph has] designed many, many things in Tullahoma and in the surrounding areas—residences, and things like the airport, and some of the churches and the administration building,” Rosie said.
Rosie said she has been privileged to teach students for nearly 40 years and sees them as her legacy to Tullahoma and the surrounding communities.
Aside from computer science, aerospace engineering, and gardening, the Grahams are active in many volunteer capacities throughout Tullahoma.
“They’re two people that recognize their gifts,” Shelton said. “They feel like when they’re part of the community, part of being a good community member is giving back to the community—and they both have so many incredible talents.”
Rosie was on the school board for 12 years and served as chairman for a time. She is also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the philanthropic organization, P.E.O., and has worked with the Community Playhouse and the South Jackson Civic Center. Ralph is chairman of the Tree Board, a master gardener, and a former member of Sunrise Rotary. Both are active at First Christian Church in the choir and theatre.
“We both feel committed to this community and to the activities that we can give back to,” Rosie said. “I think that this community, in particular, is very valuable— a very uniquely different community to many small Southern towns.”
In theatre, the Grahams work together, with Rosie directing and producing plays while Ralph builds sets and runs sound. They make time to work together, Rosie said, but still often go separate ways in their own activities.
“They’re a very strong couple together. They have a very strong marriage; they still just enjoy each other so much and appreciate each other,” Shelton said. “They’re just one of the cutest couples.”
The secret to that, Rosie said, is to be friends and foster mutual respect for each other’s capabilities. They share many of the responsibilities of the home, each doing what they do best.
“It takes time and effort and a lot of give and take,” Rosie said. “You have to start with a friendship, and that friendship has to grow—and it grows every year.”
Besides that, Rosie said they just love each other, care for each other, and support each other in everything they do. Shelton said the Grahams are also loved for their forward-thinking attitude, especially as they have gotten older.
“You do learn a lot from being around people [who] are always positive. And they are always positive,” Shelton said. “There’s way, way more things to talk about as we get older rather than our illnesses or inabilities to do this or that—that’s off the table. With them, it’s always like: What can we still do?”
Many places and events in Tullahoma wouldn’t be the same without Ralph and Rosie Graham, from the testing labs of the AEDC to the stages of the Community Playhouse. The couple has been an example for many in Tullahoma, and they will continue to do so as their 52-year relationship progresses.
“Our community is blessed to have a couple like [them]. [They] are still so active and care about this community,” Shelton said. “They are a blessing… to all of us [who] are lucky enough to be friends with them.” GN
