Robert Henry McGraw

Robert Henry McGraw, Jr. Robert Henry McGraw, Jr., aka, "Captain Bob", was born at Jeffersonville Hospital in Tazewell, VA on Feb. 23, 1955, being the first born son of the late Robert H. "Bob" McGraw, Sr. and Bessie Hall McGraw. He lived all of his 54 years within a few miles of that very spot. He died at his home on Sept. 14, 2009, just one block away from his birthplace, after waging a courageous campaign with Stage IV melanoma. Anita Jean McGraw, his wife of 25 years, was with him when he left, as well as family, dear friends, and the love of too many people to count. Bob lived a life of distinguished selfless service to his community. He always made his living with his hands, but he made his life and his friends with his heart. He was a husband, lover, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, Eagle Scout, mason, carpenter, wood carver, dulcimer maker, EMT, fireman, volunteer, leader, president, re-enactor, historian, collector, teacher, mountain man, mentor, boss, country boy, and best friend. He was even more than that. As a young boy, he entered scouting. Boy Scouts of America was lucky to have him and he was always grateful to have scouting in his life. He rose to the rank of Eagle Scout, and then became a scout leader. Much of his personal growth and development occurred because of his involvement with scouting, especially Wood Badge Training, and his volunteer service to the National Scout Jamboree every four years. He was looking forward to serving on staff at next year's Centennial Jamboree and regretted that cancer forced him to resign. Bob served his community as a volunteer fireman for almost 30 years, beginning when he was still in high school. He wore the number 13 as his lucky number. He also served as an EMT for ten years of that same time. Bob started working when he was 11. During his professional life, he became a skilled mason, carpenter, woodworker, and carver. His stonework is skillful and pleasing to the eye, and you can see his construction all over. He was always training a new carpenter. His last wood working project this spring was building a Civil War Period wooden coffin for his friend to interpret Civil War era, battlefield embalming. Bob loved history; his interest most often involved hands on activities. When he gave up traditional hunting, he picked up relic hunting, using his metal detector to find artifacts from the War Between the States all over the country. He re-enacted several time periods in American history. He learned machinist skills, taking nearly two years to build a 12 pound Mountain Howitzer, the cannon that his artillery group, Chapman's Battery, uses in reenactments several times each year. He established the Skirmish at Jeffersonville as a fundraiser for Historic Crab Orchard Museum. This past April marked the 5th annual skirmish and the most successful one so far. It has developed a reputation as being a well organized, re-enactor friendly event. Bob shared his expertise and knowledge with young and old alike, but he especially loved teaching children. Bob's interest in history and his heritage lead him to membership and leadership in both the Sons of the American Revolution and the Sons of Confederate Veterans, as well as his service as a consummate volunteer and active board member of Historic Crab Orchard Museum, his and his wife's favorite museum. It was the place where he gave away much of his time, skill and talent. Bob loved too many things to name. He loved NASCAR and the History Channel. He loved Egyptology. He loved Dutch oven cooking and camping. He loved reading about the War Between the States. He loved his tipi. He loved his dog, Ellie, and he loved his wife, Anita. He loved his son, Rob. He loved helping people and was at his best when someone needed him. Bob's generous and loving spirit will be missed by everyone who knew him and many, many more who do not realize yet, that he made a difference in their lives. Everyone will miss his incredible hugs, his twinkling eyes, and his infectious laughter. An informal service to honor Bob McGraw's memory will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sat., Sept. 26, 2009 on the field across from Crab Orchard Museum. There will be a more elaborate celebration of Bob's incredible life at the April 2010 Skirmish at Jeffersonville. Bob did not want flowers. He wasn't that kind of guy. His wish was that donations be made in his name to the Historic Crab Orchard Museum: 3663 Crab Orchard Road, Tazewell, VA 24651. He wanted the museum to grow and prosper so that it can fulfill its mission of preserving and sharing the history of this part of the Appalachian Mountains. For more information or directions to the Crab Orchard Museum, please call 276-988-6577. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA is proud to be serving the family of Mr. McGraw, and those wishing to express sympathy or to share a memory online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com