Bruce Graves

1939 - 2015

Bruce Adams Graves

Hendersonville, TN

Age 76, passed away September 24, 2015. He was born May 26, 1939, in Nashville, TN to the late Bruce Adams Graves Sr. and Anne Hartley Graves. He is also preceded in death by his sister Joyce Graves Womack and his nephew Charles Graves Franck.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gayle Williams Graves. Bruce and Gayle were married on Bruce's birthday, May 26, 1962, in Nashville. He is survived by his daughter, Yanci Graves See (Mike) of Columbus, GA; son, Clifford Adams Graves (Amy); daughter, Cornelia Graves Hines (Greg). Bruce is also survived by his pride and joy, seven granddaughters and one grandson; Meryl, Madison, and Mallory See; Caroline and Channing Graves; Hartley, Anne Graylin, and Grant Hines. He is also survived by his sister Suzy Graves Clark (Fred), a special brother-in-law, Royce Womack, and his nieces who held a special place in his heart; Cathy Brewington, Beverly Bandy, Liz Clay and Laura Franck.

Bruce attended Isaac Litton High School and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (Lambda Chi). He also served in the Air National Guard from 1961-1967. Bruce enjoyed a long and successful career in Sales for over 40 years and retired from Electronic Cable and Connector in 2010. He and Gayle have been members of the First Methodist Church of Hendersonville for 43 years and proud members of the Poe Williams Sunday School Class. Up until the end, Bruce still had the wit and sense of humor which had endeared him to so many. He loved to laugh, have fun, and hug those fortunate enough to cross his path. Bruce enjoyed gardening and growing beautiful flowers in his yard. He also loved grilling with his family and cheering on the University of Tennessee Vols.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Robert Miller, Pulmonologist of Hillsboro Medical Group at Vanderbilt. It is due to Dr. Miller and his staff, Sue and Debbie, that Bruce lived as long and as well as he did.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on September 28, 2015, at First Methodist Church, 217 East Main Street, Hendersonville, TN. Reverends Don Hutchinson and Randy Goodman will officiate. Family will receive visitors on Sunday, September 27, 2015, from 2-7 p.m. and on Monday September 28, 2015, at 10 a.m. until time of service. Bruce is donating his body to the Vanderbilt School of Medicine.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nashville Rescue Mission, 639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203; Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203; or Second Harvest Food Bank 331 Great Circle Road, Nashville, TN 37228. Online condolences may be made at sykesfuneralhome.com.