Earl "Bud" Graves

Earl 'Bud' Graves, 93, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 17, 2013. Visitation will be Thursday, November 21, 2013 at Raymond Road Baptist Church in Jackson, MS from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. with a graveside service immediately following in Crystal Springs, MS. Earl was a member of Raymond Road Baptist Church.

Earl was born on August 11, 1920 in Crystal Springs, Mississippi to W.E. and Ritta Strong Graves and was one of three children. After his father passed away, Earl began his career at an early age of 15 sweeping floors at Madison Auto Sales in Jackson, MS. There he met, Mr. Colin Lane who mentored him and saw his character and potential. Earl moved from parts clerk to service manager at Lane / Moak Pontiac in Jackson, MS. Earl showed great loyalty for those who mentored him and pride in a job well done. He remained with the dealership and later mentored to those young men much like himself until retiring at the age of 86 from Paul Moak Pontiac. Earl's love of automobiles was apparent, and he and his crew would be the winner of numerous stock car events. The most notable which was recently restored and recognized was the 1962 Pontiac Catalina called 'Big Chief' which held the record for A/Stock Class .

On September 10, 1942, Earl enlisted in the Army Airforce to serve his country in WWII. He was a member of Unit 76 Army/Airforce Battalion and was a pilot and flight instructor. He was honorably discharged on March 7, 1946 as a decorated service member. His love for his country was passed down to his children and grandchildren of which three of his grandsons followed his example in service. Earl met the love of his life, Josephine Love Williamson, and married on January 16, 1948. Earl and Joe were happily married for over 65 years and had five children. Earl loved fishing, gardening, and staying busy out doors. He loved his family very much and took great pride in protecting and providing for them everyday. He was a great and loyal friend to many.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, W.E. Graves, II, and grandson, John Christopher Cottrell.

Earl is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jo Graves, sister Jewel Graves Hood, son, Randy Earl Graves, daughters, Susan Graves Bumgarner, Patrice Graves Queen, Jewel Graves Moore, and Lorrie Graves Driver, 10 grandchildren, Kasi Graves McFarland, Nicholas Earl Graves, Will Joseph Etheridge, Lana Queen Wakefield, Kendall Anthony Queen, Forrest Earl Moore, Meredith Lane Moore, Jaimee Jo Bumgarner, Morgan Lorrie Driver, and James Trent Driver, and 9 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Earl's memory be made to The Andy Holder Retired Minister's Fund c/o Raymond Road Baptist Church, 4622 Raymond Road, Jackson, MS 39212.

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