Time and change do make differences as we pass through our life's journey, but true friendships stay the course.  Such was the cordial enduring and respectful relationship with my long term friend Tom Graves.
We met as our kids were attending Keswick Christian School, and I was blessed to help with the family's medical care.  Although Tom and I were in different professions, we were molded from God's incentives and parents' examples to clearly understand the basic principles of self-motivation, hard work, gaining wisdom, avoiding excuses, overcoming adversities, being certain that we were going to be givers and servers, and never burdens on others. We knew hard work and study, and refused negative and lazy attitudes easy to observe, and clearly were aware that “going the extra mile,” in any endeavor, would pay off in the long haul.
Enjoying rare free time in trips and vacations were special, such as the Alaska Cruises, Sky Valley trips, and journeys to New England and Nova Scotia. We would recall our times serving in the Army and Navy of our great Nation.  We each had our special talents and expertise which were fun and complimentary to each other, and at times hilarious, such as Tom's unique military “report” as he expelled his famous controlled volume “phart” as we walked down the streets of Waynesville while our wives shopped.
Our families were truly God's huge blessing to each of us, as we did our best to try to prepare and encourage them through the challenges of their growing years.
In his last year, Sharon and I were blessed to be sure we could offer Tom God's wonderful plan of salvation for his assurance of eternal life.  Of course, that is the most critical decision of our entire life for all of us.  
Our love for the Graves family is unwavering, and we will continue to pray for God's blessings toward them as time moves ahead.  We will always know as the Word reminds us, that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” Phil 1:21.  Prov 3:5-8, John 14.

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Marion Crislip Graves

Cindy Scharroo

George Graves

Nancy Graves

Linda Williamson

also survived by his grandchildren, George Benjamin Scharroo, Kevin Scharroo, Fern Thawley, Audra Baez, Thomas Garner Graves, Cameron Williamson, Danielle Williamson, Laurel Williamson and Aiden Williamson; great grandchildren, Aliah and James.

Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel

Thomas Graves

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Thomas Dorland Graves

22 March, 1936 – 31 May, 2019

Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel

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