Don W. Graves

Graves, Donald W., (CMSGT, Ret.), 84, a resident of Montgomery, AL, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 31, 2016. A Celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 3:00PM at Dalraida Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Evans and Rev. Doyle Roberson officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00PM – 3:00PM prior to the funeral. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery with military honors. Don was born in Arkansas to the late M.G. and Minnie Graves. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Betty L. Hopper and his grandson, Elliott W. Graves. Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Martha J. Graves; one son, Gary L. Graves (Anita); one daughter, Donna Graves Buchloz (Dave) of Portland, OR; three grandchildren, Justin Schumacher (Kate) of Seattle, WA, Cassandra Le (Duc) of Portland, OR, Harrison Graves of Wetumpka, AL; three great grandchildren; one chosen family, Kenny and Patti Moore and children of Maryland; three sisters, Eunice Mauldin (E.A.) (Deceased), Arlington, TX, Pat Swygert (Bill) of Columbia, SC, Helen Wilson (Lester) McCrory, AR; and numerous nieces and nephews. Don joined the Air Force in 1952 and retired after 26 years in 1979. He then went to work for SCI, Greenwood, as Superintendent, where he retired at the age of 81 in 2013. Don moved to Montgomery in 1973 and joined Dalraida Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and also was a member of the East Montgomery Exchange Club. Pallbearers will be Johnny Sanford, Bobby Cox, Harold Cox, Andy Culbreth, Dennis Crowe and Andy Grimstead. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons at Dalraida Baptist Church and the members of Don’s Sunday School Class. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dalraida Baptist Church.