Richard Shaw Graham, known affectionately as Dick, passed away on June 2, 2026, in Ormond Beach, Florida. Born on October 22, 1942, in DeLand, Florida, Mr. Graham led a distinguished life marked by integrity, dedication to justice, and a lasting impact on the legal and civic communities of Florida.

Dick's early years were spent in DeLand, where he attended local schools, including Darlington Preparatory School in Rome, Georgia. He pursued higher education at Florida State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964, followed by a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1967. That same year, he was admitted to The Florida Bar, marking the beginning of a prolific legal career.

His formative years in law featured private practice in Central Florida combined with service in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General Corps, where he reached the rank of Captain. He quickly advanced professionally, becoming a partner at Landis, Graham & French in 1968. His legal expertise extended to federal courts when he was admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in 1969, and later before the U.S. Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court in 1971.

One of the most defining moments of Dick’s career was his courageous representation of Jesse Daniels, a teenager wrongly institutionalized for 14 years under Florida’s mental health laws. Beginning this case in 1969, Dick challenged these laws with unwavering determination, securing Daniels' release and driving significant legal reforms, including contributions to the drafting of The Baker Act. This work stands as perhaps his most important professional accomplishment and a testament to his commitment to civil rights.

Throughout two decades of private practice, Dick earned the esteemed Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating, recognizing his high ethical standards and professional ability. He also served his peers with distinction as President of the Volusia County Bar Association from 1979 to 1980 and chaired The Florida Bar’s Seventh Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee.

Dick’s devotion to public service extended to the political arena when he served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1988 to 1992. Notably, he sponsored legislation naming the Coreopsis as the Florida State Wildflower. Following his legislative service, he resumed private practice and later, in 2002, was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush as Circuit Judge for Florida’s Seventh Judicial Circuit. Dick served on the bench with fairness and wisdom until his retirement in 2012 upon reaching the state’s mandatory retirement age.

Continuing his commitment to justice, Dick joined the Upchurch, Watson, White & Max Mediation Group, where he served as a mediator and arbitrator. His contributions to the legal community were recognized in 2019 when the Volusia County Bar Association established the Richard S. Graham Power of the Law Award, with Dick honored as its first recipient. A bust sculpted by Paul Baliker commemorates his influence and stands in Daytona Riverfront Esplanade Park.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dick was a devoted community leader, helping to establish The Children’s Academy on the Halifax in Ormond Beach and serving as secretary of the board of The Bert Fish Foundation, Inc.

Dick will be remembered by family and friends for his warm personality, sharp wit, and infectious laughter. He is survived by his beloved widow, Virginia Bunnell Worsham Graham; his son Richard “Duke” Shaw Graham, Jr., and daughter-in-law Jennifer; and his cherished grandson Marshall Shaw Graham of Los Angeles, California. Also mourning his loss are Armstrong “Army” Worsham Graham of Denver, his sister Mary Shaw Carroll and her husband Archie of Watkinsville, Georgia, and numerous nieces and nephews: John (Tracy) Graham, Christian and Matthew of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; Shaw Graham Ware (Mario) of Orlando, Florida; Ann W. (William L.) Arthur of Atlantic Beach, Florida, and their children Emily Ann Arthur of Madison, Wisconsin; William L. Arthur III of Lake Toxaway, North Carolina; and Richard Arthur (Edie) and children Eliza and William of Atlantic Beach.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, located at 44 South Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Ormond Beach, FL. 

Those who knew Richard Shaw Graham will gather to honor a man whose legacy of justice, fairness, and kindness will endure in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him.

In lieu of flowers, please honor his memory by donations in Dick's memory: West Volusia Historical Society, 137 West Michigan Avenue, DeLand, FL 32720 (386-740-6813), or to St. James Episcopal Church, Ormond Beach, FL.