Joe Graves

With a spirit as vibrant as a song and a heart as deep as an ocean, Joe Hayward Graves, born on April 2, 1937, in Gresham, South Carolina, brought joy and warmth into the lives of those he touched. He lived life to its fullest, embodying the essence of adventure, dedication, loyalty, and talent. His infectious enthusiasm and zest for life were palpable to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Joe had a knack for making every ordinary moment feel extraordinary, whether he was singing his favorite song, "I Got Ants in My Pants" by James Brown, or passionately participating in his hobbies, such as dancing, roller derby, boxing, or bird-watching.
Joe was a man of strong family values. His devotion to his loved ones was the cornerstone of his life, nurturing relationships that transcended the boundaries of blood ties. The love story between Joe and Jean Brooks-Graves, his beloved wife, is a testament to his determination, patience, and affection. Despite an initial misunderstanding in 1969, Joe's unwavering love led him to rekindle their bond, and after twenty years, they united in matrimony on July 2, 1993. Beyond his family, Joe formed deep friendships, notably with John Hill and Lonnie Smith, reflecting his innate ability to form long-lasting connections.
Joe's professional life was marked by an unwavering commitment to his work. He was a talented foreman at Aluminum Shapes, where he served diligently for thirty years before his retirement. Prior to this, he had been at Triangle Knitting Mills for over twenty years, where he first met Jean. His dedication and hard work were reflective of his loyal and steadfast nature. It's with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Joe on May 8, 2024.
Joe is survived by his wife Jean Brooks-Graves; step-son, Adam Brooks; adopted son, Mike; brothers, Thomas (Barbara) Graves, Johnny (Rose) Graves, Shuler (Mary) Graves, McNeil (Penny) Graves, Melvin Graves, and Charles Graves; sisters, Bertha (Richard) Rosaira, Blondel (Earl) Baker, and Angelon Thompson; sister-in-law, Corrine (Vincent) Williams; brothers-in-law, Albert, Michael, Darell, and Lawrence Harvey; and his best friends, John Hill and Lonnie Smith.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lacy Graves and Pearline Hemmingway; step-son, Troy Brooks; brother, Willie Graves; and in-laws, Albert Harvey, Bernice Harvey, JoAnn Harvey, Alfonso Harvey, Wendell Harvey, and Shiril.
The life of Joe Graves was a melody of love, resilience, and joy. His memory will continue to inspire us to cherish each moment, love deeply, and live passionately. We invite you to share your memories of Joe and upload photos to the memorial page to celebrate his life and the love he shared with us all.