Born and raised in Thorndale, Texas, Dr. Charles Graham, D.V.M, learned his work ethic from his family, and his academic abilities came from his mother, who was a principal at Thorndale Elementary School. With a lanky frame of 6’5″ and the ability to dunk a basketball, Graham received a basketball scholarship to Texas A&M University. Following graduation from college, Graham served two years in the armed forces.
His dream since childhood was to become a veterinarian, and upon returning home from the military, Graham enrolled in vet school at Texas A&M. After graduating in 1961, he joined the practice of Dr. Wallace Cardwell in Elgin, Texas. Recognized for his work ethic and honesty, Dr. Graham developed what has been recognized as one of the largest privately-owned vet clinics in the country. With 26 employees, Elgin Veterinary Hospital earned a nationwide reputation for large animal care, and Dr. Graham has published a number of articles in various trade journals and scientific journals, as well as presenting a number of papers to equine associations and scientific organizations.
In addition to being one of the top equine veterinarians in the country, Dr. Graham is also an astute businessman and has developed and owned Southwest Stallion Station, 3-C Bar Ranch, Graham Land and Cattle Company, as well as other investments. His Southwest Stallion Station is one of the oldest, continuous stallion operations in Texas.
During his career, Dr. Graham has been involved in all aspects of his community and profession. On a professional level, he has served as president of the Texas Quarter Horse Association, Texas Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, 10th district. He has also served on the board of directors of the Texas Horse Racing Association, American Quarter Horse Association, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners. In 1986, he was named Equine Practitioner of the Year by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. Other honors have included “Man of the Year” in the Texas Thoroughbred Breeders Association and Beef Booster of the Year by the Texas Brahman Association.
In addition to being top in his professional field, Dr. Graham has also been generous with his time and money in helping the youth of central Texas. He has sponsored several softball and baseball teams over the year in Elgin and has been a generous bidder in youth auctions involving agricultural projects. He has also been a major contributor to the local athletic booster club and has served as president of the Elgin I.S.D school board.
Dr. Graham has been active on an academic level, serving as adjunct professor of the Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University. He was also recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M University. Married to Nancy Smith Graham, they raised two children, David S. Graham and Donna S. Graham.
