Harry Edward McGraw, age 93, passed away April 26, 2026, in Houston, Texas.

He was born November 24,1932, in Lake Providence, Louisiana, son of the late Harry McGraw and Inez T. McGraw. He graduated from Vivian High School in 1950.

Harry served his country in the US Navy for two years.

Harry retired from the masonry business at the age of 82. He had a lifelong career that started when he became an apprentice when he was 17. His skillset and work ethic came naturally and brought him all the way to the top of his industry. He enjoyed every step of his journey, from the beginning. First as a laborer, then moving on to apprentice, bricklayer/stone mason, foreman, superintendent, general superintendent, Vice President of Operations, and, later, as the retired Executive Director of Texas Masonry Council (TMC). Harry was inducted into the MCAA Masonry Hall of Fame Honor in 2016.

In his career path, he worked at several companies, J.E. Hoover Masonry, Dee Brown Masonry, Eagle Concrete Products, Korfil Inc., and Lucia Inc. of Houston.

Not only was Harry involved on the masonry contractor side of the industry, but he also promoted masonry products to architects. After Dee Brown closed its Houston office, Harry was an architectural representative for Eagle Lake Concrete Products (now owned by Headwaters Building Materials). His experience in this position brought him to Korfil, Inc. where he spent six years as an Architectural Representative, Regional Manager and Vice President. As Vice President, Harry used his expansive knowledge of masonry to help troubleshoot problems for the entire United States. Returning to this true passion, Harry spent the next seventeen years with Lucia, Inc. of Houston, TX (a wholly owned masonry and natural stone subcontractor subsidiary of the Linbeck Corporation). Harry's unique ability to implement effective policies and procedures, enhance jobsite productivity, increase efficiency and meet benchmarks ultimately earned him the title Vice President of Operations.

Over the course of Harry's career, he was responsible for the masonry/natural stone work on many high-profile and award winning projects including: Minute Maid Park (formerly Enron Field), Reliant Stadium, George Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University, James Baker Institute for Public Policy, Jesse Jones Graduate School at Rice University, the Wortham Center, the Hobby Performing Arts Center, the Bass Performing Arts Hall and the Fort Worth Modern Art Museum.

Ultimately, Harry served as the Executive Director of the Texas Masonry Council, before retiring in April of 2012. Even after retirement, Harry continued in the industry as a consultant and volunteer in the community.

Harry married the love of his life, Lois Devillier, on March 20, 1964, in Shreveport, Louisiana. They made a beautiful life together. Harry and Lois traveled to many places and raised their two children in the Cypress, Texas area. Harry was loved dearly by his family, and everyone who knew him. He had a way of making friends wherever he went. His wisdom and humor made him a warm, sweet person to be around. Harry was truly a devoted family man and friend. He had pride in his achievements and had way of overcoming challenges. Harry was a truly inspirational person and will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Inez Cowan.

He is survived by his loving, devoted wife, Lois Devillier McGraw, sister Patricia McGraw, sister Peggy Crawford and her husband Ronnie, son, James McGraw and his wife Karen, daughter, Kellye McGraw Englishbee and her husband Paul, and son, Steve McGraw. Harry's grandchildren include Alyson Miller, Molly McGraw, Joshua McGraw, J Englishbee, Christina McGraw and Matt McGraw. He had 6 great grandchildren.

To honor Harry, a Celebration of Life service will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the American Heart Association .