Thomas Hale Graffis

On June 6, 2024 in the wee hours of the morning, music could be heard in Heaven surprisingly from the hands of Tom Graffis. He was heard playing the piano, a skill he always wanted but never had while on earth. He told his family that this was the first thing he would do when he got to Heaven. Tom joined his wife Betty and the angels when he passed at age 92. If not playing the piano, he will be playing golf and hitting the elusive hole-in-one somewhere past the Milky Way. Originally from eastern Indiana, Tom and Betty set up their dental practice in Greencastle around 1960 and devoted more than 60 years to the community they loved so much. Tom never met a joke he didn’t like and had one for every occasion. He was a voracious reader and had a book in his lap just a day before he died. He and his wife Betty traveled extensively, covering many of the major continents of the world and even got to Normandy on D-Day a few years ago. For those who might not know, Tom was a founder of Operation Life and the longest serving member of Greencastle’s Rotary chapter. He was also involved in other ways to faithfully support his community: United Way, First Christian Church, Friends of the Library, and the Putnam County Community Foundation among many. At home, Tom and Betty loved and nurtured two daughters, Debbie and Lynette. His daughters remember Tom being interested in healthy eating for the whole family before it was a trend, by baking whole wheat bread, juicing vegetables and eating sesame seed bars instead of candy. Later in life he decided, without apology, that the occasional Wendy’s Frosty, or a piece of pie with ice cream might be good for the soul. He discovered a love for golf in retirement but even more than the game, he cared for and admired his golf buddies. He is preceded in death by his loving wife whom he called “the perfect spouse”. He is survived by his daughters Debbie (Bob) Kelly of Lexington, Kentucky and Lynette (Bill) Reed of Fredericksburg, Virginia. He is also survived by four beautiful and talented granddaughters who could do no wrong in his eyes, and four great-grandchildren. Tom was generous with his time, his talents, and his resources. Even in death he has left thoughtful gifts that will continue to support the local community for years to come. In lieu of flowers, Tom would have been happy to learn that donations were made to the Putnam County Community Foundation. Online condolences may be made to the family at BittlesandHurt.com