William Doyce Graham, Jr.

William Doyce Graham, Jr., 86, died on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Clemson, South Carolina.
A celebration of life was held November 26, 2025, at the Clemson United Methodist Church in Clemson, South Carolina.

Born on February 22, 1939, in Clarendon, Doyce was the eldest son of the late William Doyce Graham, Sr., and Viola Fay Barker Graham.

He received his early education in Clarendon, graduating from Clarendon High School and Clarendon College before earning a B.S. in Agronomy from Texas Tech in 1962. His academic pursuits led him to Purdue University, where he earned a master’s and a PhD in Agronomy.

In 1966, Doyce began a career at Clemson University, serving as a professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics until his retirement in 2003. His research on small grains took place at Experiment Stations around South Carolina. In a testament to his contributions, Clemson University released the “Graham” oat in 2012, and the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station released “Doyce,” a type of hulless winter barley, in 2003.

Beyond his professional life, Doyce had a passion for reading, particularly mysteries and military and aviation history. Upon retirement, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning his pilot’s license. He and his wife purchased a small experimental plane, enjoying trips to visit family, friends, and new destinations.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Linda Updike Graham; his daughters, Amanda Graham (Thomas Gaeng) and Carmen Graham Garland (Wilson Garland); his granddaughters, Caroline Garland and Alison Garland; his great-grandson, Graham Wilson Garland; and his brother, Michael Clark Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James Carl Graham.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Doyce’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.