Russell Avery Graves

Russell Avery Graves, 93, of Athens, GA, passed away on February 1, 2025. He was born on January 13, 1932, on the Graves family farm in Norcross, GA, to the late Avery and Myrtle (Dickens) Graves. After growing up in various small towns in Georgia, he lived in Atlanta, GA, Louisville, KY, Schenectady, NY, Rome, GA, Weston, CT, Alpharetta, GA, Winston Salem, NC, and Athens, GA.
Russell graduated from Tucker High School in 1948, and received his bachelor's and master's degrees in industrial management from Georgia Tech. He was a highly regarded accountant for General Electric for 40 years. He was a devoted
son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Russell was very active at Baptist churches for most of his life, including serving as a deacon, teaching adult Sunday school classes, volunteering with jail ministry, and helping out where needed. Throughout his years, his activities included golf, bridge, jogging, genealogy, pool, investing, watching sports, and helping friends with taxes. He enjoyed his daily breakfast group of friends, a hearty discussion with anyone who was willing, and a good game of pool. He greatly appreciated phone calls and visits with family and friends, and all will dearly miss him.
Russell is survived by his sons, John (Mary Ellen) Cook of Austin, TX, Bill (Maura) Cook of Chatham, MA, Jerry (Laurie) Cook of Winston Salem, NC, David (Cathy) Graves of Watkinsville, GA; daughters, Sherri (Pete Cafferata) Graves of Sacramento, CA and Pam (Dave) Wessel of Newburgh, IN; grandchildren, Julia (Don), Anna Laura (Mike), Whitney, Mitchell (Jasmine), Christina, Lydia, Amelia, Maria, Catherine; great grandchildren, Whit and Sutton; brother, George Graves; sisters, Wynelle (Charlie) Middlebrooks and Linda (Phil Roberts) Graves; and many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces. Russell was preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine (Branham) Graves and his second wife, Ann (Terry Cook) Graves; his parents; brother, Marvin Graves; brothers-in-law, Malcomb Branham, Jimmy Terry, and Tom Ramage; and sisters-in-law, Sandra Graves, Wilma Hughes, Linda Terry, Jane Ramage, and Eydie Branham.
A Funeral Service will be held at First Baptist Church Athens on February 8th at 11:00 am. Pastor Matt Marston will officiate. A reception/visitation will immediately follow the service, at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to Samaritan's Purse (International Relief organization) at PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; phone 828-262-1980; website samaritanspurse.org
Online condolences may be left at www.billheadfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by Bill Head Funeral Homes & Crematory Lilburn/Tucker Chapel (770)564-2726