Wesley Hayward Graves

Wesley Hayward Graves, 77, of Punta Gorda, FL, formerly of Miami, FL died suddenly Saturday, April 25, 2009 in Port Charlotte. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on February 20, 1932. He served in the US Army. A transfer at his job with PA Bell Telephone Company, led to a move to Miami, FL. He enjoyed his many coworkers and shared countless tales from his time with Southern Bell, "The Bell". In 1992, he made the move to the West Coast of Florida. His home on Jim Long Lake, off the Peace River, was a beautiful, tranquil spot where he enjoyed painting, reading, writing poetry, fishing, boating, and renovating his house. He filled every day with friends, laughter, and a good story and few things were more important to him than family. His family will remember him as a "swell guy" who made each one of them feel special. He could do anything because in his words "I used to do that for a living", and Wes did a lot of living.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 34 adventurous years, Diane Davies Graves, whom he had met and married in Philadelphia.

He is survived by his son, Wesley T. Graves, grandchildren Tommy and

Jenny Sue and families; his daughter, Ginger Jim Wurst, grandchildren Jennifer Jason Stallings, Peter Adrianna Wurst and Maggie Wurst, as well as his 4 great-grandchildren, who called him "Great"; and his devoted friend Barbara Willingham.

The Visitation will be from 1:00 pm till 2:00 pm, Thursday April 30, 2009 at the Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 635 E Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. The Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 pm Thursday at the funeral home. Graveside military honors and burial will be held Saturday afternoon at the Woodlawn Park Cemetery in Miami, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Wes may be made the the Charlotte County Arts & Humanities Council, 2811-M Tamiami Trail, Pt Charlotte, FL 33952. Please visit kays-ponger.com to leave the family condolences and to sign the online guestbook. Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, Punta Gorda chapel, is in charge of arrangements.