Major Wilbur L. Graves III, USMC Ret.

Major Wilbur L. Graves USMC Ret., residing in Chesterfield, age 66, passed away Sunday, March 1 at home surrounded by his loving family after a 7 year battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur L. Graves, Jr. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 18 years, Karen; mother Irene Graves; siblings, Irene, Alice, Patrick, Maurice, Toni and Roberta; sons, David (Jamie), Aaron (Kim); stepchildren, Michael (Linda), Christine (Tom), Patti (Michael); grandchildren, Joseph, Michelle, T.J., Bobby, David, Tim, Katie, Lauren, Grace, Isaac,Emma, William and Wesley, He was a man his family loved, honored, respected and always looked up to and he will be greatly missed.

In 1966 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In 1967-68, as a Marine Rifleman, he served with 3rd Platoon Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division in Vietnam. Throughout his career he served in various staff assignments in the Marine Corps and progressed through the enlisted ranks to Staff Sergeant, then through the Warrant Officer and Commissioned ranks to the grade of Major. In 1988 he retired having served over 22 faithful years in the Marine Corps. Throughout his distinguished career he proved to be a consummate professional, leader and dedicated Marine. During his combat tour in Vietnam he earned a Bronze Star with combat "V", Purple Heart and received numerous other personal and unit commendations throughout his career. After retiring he pursued careers as Virginia Game Warden, Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Deputy and recently retired from Virgina Correctional Enterprises as COO.

A memorial service will be held at Huguenot Chapel, Woody Funeral Home March 7 at 2:00pm, and he will be laid to rest with military honors ceremony at the Knoxville National Cemetery. Semper Fidelis - Always Faithful