Mr. Graves was a member of Columbia Presbyterian Church. He was a humble son of a long line of Presbyterian ministers. He volunteered for Turning Pages and several hospices in the area. Mr. Graves worked in aquatics at the Columbia YMCA and the Sumter YMCA before becoming the Sumter YMCA's aquatics director. He also was an electrical motor repair specialist before starting and owning his own motor repair company for many years. He was a good friend, husband, and Papa. Mr. Graves deeply loved and was deeply loved by his family.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly Graves; his stepson and daughter-in-law, Theodore and Sarah Thames, and his grandchildren, Jeffery and Bruce Stokes, and Ruby, Teddy, and Dain Thames. He was predeceased by his first wife, Eleanor Claire Timmerman Graves; his parents; and stepdaughter, Heidianne Dewar.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at Columbia Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Columbia Presbyterian Church for their Mercy Ministry.
