T.L Gramling was born and educated in Altus, Oklahoma. He is a graduate of Altus High School and attended Altus Junior College, (presently known as WOSC). Except for 2 years he served in the United States Air Force and 7 years he resided in Hobart, he has been a resident of Altus. Mr. Gramling began his working career at the Altus Times Democrat delivering newspapers and later as circulation manager. Leaving this, he choose to go into banking. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Banking. He has served as Vice President of the First National Bank and the National Bank of Commerce in Altus. He then moved to Hobart to serve as President of Home State Bank. After 30 years of banking, he retired and returned to Altus. Mr. Gramling has served on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce, Board of Industry and Air Force Association. He is a Deacon at the First Baptist Church, a member of the Kiwanis Club and a 32nd degree Mason. He is a charter member and still serves on the board for the Altus Southwestern Oklahoma Development Authority, he is also currently the President of the Altus/Southwest Area Economic Development Corporation, serves as a director on the board for Farm Credit Services and is a member of Military Affairs. Mr. Gramling is currently the Mayor of the City of Altus, having served as a councilman for eight years prior to becoming Mayor.

He is married to the former Nelda Johnson. They are the parents of 2 children, a daughter and son-in-law Jan and Ron Taylor and granddaughter Shelbi and son and daughter-in-law Scott and Jane Gramling.