Joe David Graves

Graveside services for Mr. Joe David Graves will be held at 10 A.M. on Friday, July 18, 2025 in Chapel Hill Cemetery between Medina and Milan with Bro. Jack Moore officiating. Visitation with the family will take place from 9:30 A.M. till service time at the cemetery.

On 15 July 2025, Joe David “Rocky” Graves (a.k.a. “Big Rock” and “The Medina Mystic”, aged 74) entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There he joins James Milford and June Graves (Dad and Mom). Left waiting to join him soon are Deborah Graves (Wife); Rhett & Amy Graves (son & daughter-in-love), Abby, Haddon, Hannah and Andrew Graves (grandkids) and Patsy Bradley (sister). Raised in Medina, TN, he graduated from Milan High School, The University of Tennessee at Martin and Memphis State University.

Big Rock was a compulsive winner, determined to win at every challenge. He enjoyed success in boxing, coaching football and coaching basketball; compiling a 176-32 (0.846) record in the last 208 games coached. Known for being aggressive and unorthodox, a former player described him best: “He had an offensive mind that was ahead of his time, a sense of humor that would come when you least expect it and funny, a calmness and confidence when everyone else was on edge and a little crazy, most importantly he truly cared about his players and we knew it and loved playing for him!”

He also had success in the classroom, leaving behind many that remember his teaching in both high school and Sunday School. A former student related “Thank you for teaching me all about Jesus during every study hall. I’m saved!! My husband is saved. My 4 children are saved because you helped lead me in the love of Christ!” A teacher cannot leave a better legacy than that.

They say you can’t beat death. But Big Rock compiled an impressive record there as well; beating leukemia twice, three heart attacks and one stroke. Most of those while dealing with diabetes and kidney failure. Ultimately, there’s only One who had a flawless record against death, yet He still experienced it: The Lord Jesus laid down His life that we might have life eternal with Him. Because Jesus lived a perfect life and experienced death for us, He won the ultimate victory over sin and death for all who have faith in Him. By faith in Jesus, Big Rock is undefeated.