Henry Birthel Graves

God, in His mercy and infinite wisdom, called Henry Birthel Graves to his eternal rest on Sunday, July 23, 2023. He boldly entered this world on November 14, 1946, born to the late John and Dorothy Graves. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings; Fannie Waddell, James, and John Graves, and his son John ‘Tim’ Coleman.

He was raised in North Carolina and matriculated through segregated schools, which culminated in graduating in 1965 from Caswell County High School. The following year Henry relocated to the Nation’s Capital where he was employed at Trailways Bus Lines and Superior Carpets. After years of learning the carpet business, Henry founded Contract Carpet Installers, Inc. (CCI) in 1979. CCI succeeded under his direction as CEO and was often called upon to install carpets for many high-profile events and locations throughout the DMV. Over the years, CCI installed carpet on the steps of the U.S. Capitol for Presidential Inaugurations, the White House, Montpelier Mansion, the Gucci and Versace designer stores, local banks, and other federal and statewide government agencies.

Although dedicated to making his business a success, Henry saved time for love as well. On March 31, 1980, he married Paula Coleman and after a brief time in Landover, MD, they soon settled into their family home in Clinton, MD. They had a blended family and loved each other's children as their own.

Throughout his life, Henry’s heart of gold was shown through constant smiles and cracking jokes. In all aspects, Henry touched many lives and helped many people. He took others in as his own. Henry’s energy was so contagious it was impossible not to love him. He genuinely loved everyone unselfishly and unconditionally the same.

One called him husband, another called him brother, a few called him Dad, some called him Papa, family called him, ‘Unc’, and many called him BOSS or friend. Most affectionately known as Henry, the provider, the farmer, the bowler, the hunter, the installer, and the jokester. What matters most is that he was loved!

Although Henry isn't physically here with us, his memory will forever be cherished by his beloved wife; Paula Graves (Kissimmee, FL), adored children; Maurice [Pamela Baker] Graves (Mechanicsville, MD), Henry 'Wes' Graves (Upper Marlboro, MD), Tracie Coleman (Bowie, MD), daughter-in-law Erika Coleman (Springdale, MD), irreplaceable granddaughters; Brittany Graves-High (Douglasville, GA), Shuntailya Graves (Winston Salem, NC), Kristin Roberts (Kissimmee, FL), Jordan Coleman (Springdale, MD), great-grands; King Martin (Winston Salem, NC), Darien High, Jr. and Trinity High (Douglasville, GA), and London St. Pierre (Kissimmee, FL), big sister; Delois Boston (Landover, MD), brothers and sisters-in-law William Waddell (Reidsville, NC), Paul Washington (Fort Washington, MD), Susie and Ruth Graves (Yanceyville, NC), Melba May (Alfred), Washington, DC; and an abundance of nieces, nephews, and extended friends who were family just the same, who will miss him dearly.