Dr. Enck had a very positive influence on my life.  I worked with him from 1999-2000 while he was helping direct the MALS program at the University of Memphis.  His care, concern, and influence on my life and the direction it took after working with him cannot be overstated.  He was at my wedding in 2000, and he and I stayed in touch over the years.  One of the larger surprises of my life came almost 8 years later when Dr. and Mrs. Enck visited me in Georgetown, Texas at my office completely out of the blue!  This morning, I sent him an email to tell him about something that was going to seem more real after telling him.  Then I did an internet search...    I am saddened to learn of his passing.  The world is a lesser place without Graves Enck.  He will truly be missed.

Dr. Enck made my graduate school experience so memorable— What an engaging, thought-provoking, spirited, humorous professor— We never wanted his classes to end! My thoughts and prayers are extended to his family— His love for you was beyond words— But he did speak of you in his teachings to us— We felt like we knew you, too! I’m blessed to have known Dr. Enck— He left a lasting impression on my heart, too— 
Susan A. Helms
MALS 2004

When Graves walked into my office in Tunica in 1996, we were complete strangers. It was unlikely that a 57 year old college professor and a middle aged mother of two teens struggling to learn how to edit and publish a tiny newspaper - and keep it afloat - would cross paths, much less begin a friendship that has now spanned more than a quarter century.
I found in Graves a kindred spirit, a person who was so like minded and like souled to me, and we soon began an almost daily conversation that I am missing so sorely that my heart literally aches with this loss. 
Over the years, we came to know each other’s families and to share in all the highs and lows of life. He taught me to love C.S. Lewis, country music and Texas. He often challenged my thinking on social and political issues and continually broadened my education by sharing his own intellect and wide reading. He made me laugh, and in this last year, he allowed me to mourn.
I have struggled for the past three weeks to find these few, simple words to thank Janice and all his family for giving me the gift of Graves’ time and attention for these many years.
Today I finished an overdue re-read of Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia. Book 7, The Last Battle, concludes, “And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in the world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”
Good night, sweet prince, until we meet again. ❤️👩🏻‍🦳

One of my favorite memories of Graves is the time I senior coauthored a paper with him that was accepted for presentation at the Southern Gerontological Society meetings to be held in Atlanta. We were told by a colleague to be sure and have a meal at Pittipat's Porch for some excellent southern cuisine. Upon arriving at the convention hotel, we proceeded to the front desk to obtain our room assignment and a pass key to the room.  We were informed that we would have an escort to our room and would receive a pass key from the escort. We found this a bit unusual but we proceeded, nonetheless. The escort opened the room door and we entered the room. It was obvious that this was not a regular hotel room. The large outer room contained a table on which there was a large magnum of Chablis wine in a bucket of ice and a large platter containing sumptuous hors d'oeuvres. We immediately began to protest, telling the escort that this could not be the right room and that there was no way we were going to pay for the wine and hors d'oeuvres. The escort told us to open the envelope on the table, which we did. It turned out that one of the major co-owners of the hotel and her spouse had recognized the names on the guest list. She was a MSU (then) graduate and had taken several courses with Graves. We gleefully consumed the bounty before us, and needless to say, we did not make it to Pittipat's Porch that night.

Graves was the most insightful person I've ever met.  Whenever I needed advice about something students were doing, he was there with a Merle Haggard quote that seemed to magically create sense from nonsense.  He also loved his family so much.  There was always an update about what his grandchildren were doing and it was a treat to hear him talk so proudly about them.  I asked him once why he always referred to "Mrs. Enck" rather than using Janice's first name and he told me it was because he liked to remind himself that such a wonderful woman had said yes to being his wife.  Graves also made faculty meetings so interesting as whenever there was some strange university policy under discussion, he could tell the story of how it came to be.  I can still hear him laughing as he told some of those stories!  Our Sociology department, and the University of Memphis itself, would not be the same if he had not given so much of himself over his career.  We owe him a huge debt.  Graves's open-mindedness, kindness, humbleness, and pursuit of knowledge are all things I will spend the rest of my life trying to emulate.  All of us are better people for having known him.  

Janice & family, I am so so sorry that Graves has left us. He was such a delightful human being & I was so fortunate to have known him (via Tunica County Govt). He & I became pen pals over the years & I will definitely miss that interaction. He always bragged about his family & particularly the research & care that you, Janice, gave him throughout his journey. There will never be another one like him. In his words "Peace & Best Wishes".  Jan Weldon

One of my favorite trips because we were all together and I know that made him happy.

Dad loved going to football games with his dad.  This is something he continued to enjoy and share with Will, Walker and me.  There was almost always a pre or post game Rendezvous meal. We had some great times that I will never forget.

Will started doing yard work for my parents while in middle school.  The broom was an integral part of the mowing process. This tool was used to raise the branches on the Japanese maple in the front yard so it would not get cut.  Will signed the broom and dated it at the end of his duty.  The broom was passed down to Walker during this ceremony.  A tool we will never forget just as we will never forget dad/papa.

Dad loved going to football games with his dad.  Something he passed on and enjoyed sharing with Will, Walker and me.  

He learned from Will that asking for “a” goldfish meant getting one, a lesson Papa taught to Walker.

Always loved time with his family and celebrating special occasions.

Medical Sociology with Graves was my intro to grad school in the Sociology Department. On the the first night of class, Graves showed up in full surgical gown and cap. I walked in and thought I was in the wrong class. Graves was a brilliant teacher, made us think analytically and critically with a smile on his face. He was pretty much the kindest and funniest prof I had during my years of getting my MA. At the beginning of my last semester of grad school, I was worn out from working full time, family, and grad school. I sat in Graves office before class on the first night of school and was sharing with him that I need to quit school, what was an MA in Sociology going to do to advance my work life etc. Over the next hour without hard selling school to me or making me feel guilty about quitting, Graves breathed some fresh perspectives and new energy into me. Were it not for Graves kind and wise guidance I might not have completed the degree. Graves could bring out the best in his students!!!

I met Graves through my association with his wife, Janice, as we are both members of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.  When I was in charge of a DKG event many years ago, the motel personnel mistakenly presented Graves with a $3000+ bill; needless to say, he was taken aback!  From that time on, I would message Graves not to forget his checkbook or he would send word to me that he would have his checkbook handy in case when Janice and I attended another DKG function.  We shared many laughs over the years.  He was a loving husband, father, educator, and friend.  He will be sorely missed.  

Graves Enck, my goodness where do I start. My colleague, mentor, confidant, and friend. I arrived at the Univ of Memphis in 2009 and immediately hit it off with Graves.  We always had a lot in common and had no shortage of things to talk about. I could go on and on about these things, but instead I’ll focus on what made Graves unique. Anybody ever been to a departmental faculty meeting and heard a profound point via the lyrics of Waylon Jennings? We have! Sometimes on the weekends he’d check in with me about my favorite team winning or losing. Sometimes we’d even get into stories of him attending college football games as a kid in Texas. Other times he would find relevant sports comics/illustrations and tape them to my office door. In fact, the one he put up right before the pandemic hit is still there and I’ll be keeping that up for a long time to come.  Graves was a fountain of knowledge about our department and university, that will never be replaced. He used to joke with me that as technology continues to advance, one of these days the only thing left in our department will be me and a server….followed by that big smile and laugh. He might be right! 

Graves had the unique combination of being ridiculously smart, successful, hilarious, humble, loving, loyal, and basically every positive characteristic a person could be blessed with. He took me under his wing and has been like a father figure to  me for the last 13 years. His selflessness and strong will to protect his younger colleagues should never be overlooked. He set us up for success and what a gift that is. I’m so grateful that he has been a part of my life and I’ll treasure him forever.  

To Mrs. Enck (as he would famously say), his two boys and grandchildren, I’ve heard so much about y’all I feel like I know you. Y’all were his world. Wishing you all peace and comfort in all the days ahead. 

Had him in the 1980's and I took every course he ever taught and enjoyed them all. Great person and teacher who cared.                                                          

Words to think about when you remember Graves

Graves Enck was an insightful observer, an award-winning, rhetorically gifted teacher and colleague, a shrewd, supportive advisor, an uproarious, natural stand-up comic, and just a very good man to have around at all occasions.  There was nothing narrow or narrow-minded about him.  He approached everyone with curiosity, an open mind, and a warm heart.  Despite his obvious talents he remained modest to the end of his days.  Both Graves the man and the wonderful example he established will be profoundly missed by friends, colleagues, family, students, and the larger University community.

Graves was more than a wonderful colleague and brilliant mentor to me. He was one of my dearest friends that I have been so fortunate to have since my family moved to Memphis in 2008. During my first few years with the Department of Sociology at The University of Memphis, his office was the first place I went to whenever I encountered a problem or wanted to seek good advice. He listened patiently to me, told me inspiring stories, and always had numerous ways to simplify an issue that challenged me and help me find a good solution. Graves showed his warmest support and genuine care for me, as well as many of my colleagues, who started an academic career and life in Memphis. Graves’ wisdom, great sense of humor, kindness were special gifts to me and people around him. We shared so many beautiful memories, and these will never be forgotten. Graves, my life was blessed through having met you, knowing you, and being inspired by you! May you find blessings in the next life, my dearest colleague, mentor, and friend! 

I worked at the University of Memphis  for 31 years (28 years in the Department of Sociology.  Graves was an awesome instructor, advisor, colleague and friend. I am truly grateful for our friendship. He was very kind to our office staff and always acknowledged us with  gifts on  Professional Administrative day (with a little help from "the lovely Mrs. Enck) as he would say it. Thank you all so much for sharing Graves with the Department of Sociology for so many years. We loved Graves, and will always remember his funny sense of humor. There was never a dull moment in our department meetings when Graves was present. 

With love,
Betty Wiley and family

I am so sorry to hear that my wonderful colleague Graves Enck passed away. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Graves was on the job search committee that hired me in my first faculty position (post grad school) at the University of Memphis. During my job interview, Graves stumped me with a philosophical question. He essentially asked me to imagine I was looking back on my life from retirement, what in life would make me feel the most satisfaction from that place and time? I was stumped! I was in a cut-throat job market, where everything was about productivity and prestige, and I had not prepped for this kind of question! I decided to just be myself and be honest, and I recall telling Graves and the committee that being happy and kind, spending time with the people I love, and giving back to my community would probably be the critical things to a satisfactory life. I was nervous I hadn’t mentioned work or intellectual contributions…I mean I love my job and sociological research, but life is so much more than work. Graves smiled, and I don’t remember how, but made me feel safe in my answer. He provided such a humane moment in a very stressful job market.

My experiences with Graves’ support, mentoring, and generosity only continued after I accepted (joyfully!) the job at Memphis. Everyone in our department loved Graves and valued his many contributions to our students, University of Memphis, and to sociology. It’s more than a decade after my job interview at Memphis, and I have moved on to Indiana University, but Graves still remains one of my most valued colleagues and role models. If everyone was more like Graves, more of a team-player, more supportive of others, more generous and kind, the world would be a better place. And he could make you laugh! 

Rest in peace Graves. You will be missed. 

Graves was my colleague for 29 years in the Department of Sociology at The University of Memphis, and that was too short. He was a complicated and wonderful father figure for many of us.  Both wise and mischievous-- he really was the smartest guy in the room, everywhere he was. 

I witnessed folks from across the spectrum, from freshmen to department chairs, to furtive upper level administrators, slip in and out of his office for advice.  He had time for everyone and personally coached me through some difficult events.  We did not always agree, but he was always loved and respected, and usually right anyway! 

I am grateful I knew him and he is already missed.  Our department will not be the same, there is no one to fill that role.  What he had to share was rare and he came by it naturally.  He also helped to cultivate the collegial atmosphere in our department, that will be one of his many legacies to live on.

For Janice, he shared how much he loves you. Yours is a love story for the ages, material for a good country song.  From what I understand, you are still planting seeds of love. You deserve everything good! 

With love,

Carol Rambo

Graves was one of the most wonderful men anyone could ever have known.  He was the best brother-in-law, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and cousin!  Our love to Janice, Jimmy, Eva, Iris, Mike, Robin, Will and Walker.  He will live forever in our hearts!  Until we meet again! 
2 Timothy 4:7-8:   7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

OBITUARY

Graves Edwards Enck

December 27, 1938 – June 2, 2022

Memphis Funeral Home

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