The son of Mr. Julius Graham, Jr. and Mrs. Sharon Graham Carter and husband, Charles of Columbus, Ryan was born in Columbus, GA and was a 1993 graduate of Kendrick High School. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Troy State University. He excelled in football in high school and was a defensive back with the Troy State National Championship team. Ryan was Correction's Officer with the Regional Youth Development Center in Columbus. 

Survivors other than his parents, include: three sons, Ryan R. Graham, Jr., Tylin D. Graham and Temir Graham; one daughter, Madison M. Graham; five siblings, Norman J. Graham (LaVerne), Melanee D. Graham, Contena D. Smitherman (Roger), Ceyawna D. Hines-Marshall and Shakendra L. Graham; his step mother, Dr. Jimmi Simmons (Roscoe); the mothers of his children, Mishekee Brown and Sonya Pace; beloved aunts and uncles, Ernestine McIntyre (Henry), Betty Ann Mapson-Beers (Kenny), William Graham (Cheryl), Pennie Tucker (Robert) and Gloria Bruce Barnes (MacArthur); a host of loving nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and good friends.