Photo courtesy of Henry W. Dabney Funeral Home - Ashland
Ashland, Virginia
Sep 23, 1928 – Oct 31, 2021 (Age 93)
Samuel LeeWillis Graves was born to the late James Fernand and Susan Louise Graves on September 23, 1928. He was the 3rd oldest of 6 children. Four brothers, Frank, Alvin, Thomas, & Earl Graves who preceded him in death.
Samuel attended and graduated from the Louisa Training School. Samuel enlisted in the Army and was stationed one year in Korea and three years in the states. Samuel was employed by the Springs Pallatt Factory as a Nailer in Powhatan, VA. He also worked for Richfood, and Unisource Paper Company. Daddy was blessed to retire at the age of 62 with long life of 93 years
Samuel accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and baptized under the leadership of the late A.L. Upshaw. He united with the Mt. Garland Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, sung on Choir, served on the Usher Board and Trustee Ministry.
Samuel was united in holy matrimony to Mary C. Hooker on December 22, 1956 and to this union 1 son Samuel and 1 daughter Cynthia were born. Dad demonstrated unconditional love to his children as Christ loves the church.
Samuel loved and adored his wife Mary to whom he was married to for 65 years. Samuel loved fishing and gardening. He enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Matlock. On Sunday afternoon after attending church, and even during the week Dad and Mama faithfully watched Jimmy Swaggart and the Gater Family Hour.
Samuel lovingly leaves to cherish his memory devoted wife Mary C. Graves of Bumpass, Son, Samuel of Richmond, VA; daughter, Cynthia (Frank) of Montpelier, VA; 1 grandson, Mone’Shell (Tearria), 3 great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 1 devoted brother, Ernest Graves (Clineth) and devoted friend, Jim Gardner.
We are sending our thoughts and prayers to this wonderful family. Our families have been at Mount Garland Baptist for many generations. Remain strong in the Lord and he will take of you. Pastor and Mrs. Rickie G. Hopkins. Chesterfield, VA
Rickie Hopkins
November 15, 2021 | Chesterfield, VA
To Mary and family, please know that you are in my prayers, my deepest condolences of the loss of your dear loved one.
Sarah Anderson
November 10, 2021 | Columbia, VA | Coworker
Sam has been a great neighbor and friend over the years.Not only to me but to my mother also. I will miss our mailbox chats and appreciate having known him.
Gene Willis
November 09, 2021 | Bumpass, VA
We extend our deepest sympathy to the graves family during your loss. God´s loving comfort be upon you as you remember Mr. Samuel L. Graves
REVERENDS BOBBY & Sybil Jones
November 09, 2021
Great neighbor! Friendly, smiling and hard-working. He once joked about not being sure if he'd recognize my boys anymore (they grow up!) and then kindly mentioned that I had put on some weight! I walked back to the house and swore off candy right then and lost 60 pounds. I told my friends it was the Mr. Graves diet! Thank you Mr. Graves! I'll miss you!
Scott Miller
November 09, 2021 | Friend
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Charles & Alice Brown
Charles Brown
November 08, 2021 | Bumpass, VA | Friend
"Sam" That was how I addressed him. Not that I felt equal to him, because his whole demeanor demanded respect even from those just a few years younger. He just made you feel welcome in his space. Even when I saw Sam across a room his eyes would say "good to see you. Let's chat". His picture in his obituary speaks to what I'm trying to say. To say more or say less would be just words. Sam's passing will leave an empty space in our lives. I pray that our memories of him will bring comfort to...
Randolph Nelson
November 08, 2021 | Cumberland, VA | Friend
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. You are all in my heart and my prayers.
Jeffery Graves
November 08, 2021 | Augusta, GA | Family
Mary,Sam and Cynthia I am so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. I know he will be greatly missed. I know he was loved by many. Always quick with his easy smile he will not be quickly forgotten. You all will be in my heart and my prayers. May God bless you all. Sincerely and with love, Deborah
Deborah Duga
November 07, 2021
