Michael Lynn Graves

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the departure of Michael Lynn Graves, born May 28, 1952, and passed away on Dec. 7, 2024. Michael was a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather who lived his life with grace, dignity and a deep love for his family.

Michael graduated from El Dorado Springs High School, Class of 1970. He went on to graduate from Wentworth College with an associate’s degree. Drafted into the Army in 1972, he served with pride and courage. He worked hard all his life, including positions at the Hick Gas Station and Montgomery Ward while in high school, and Cecomo, now Barrington, and 3M, until his retirement in 2016.

Despite his quiet and reserved demeanor, Michael had a knack for bringing joy into the lives of those around him. Whether he watched his kids and grandkids flourish in their school events or sharing stories over a meal and coffee at AJ’s Diner, his happiness was contagious. Even when the littlest members of his family were sad about their sick kitten, his dry humor would cheer them up and make them giggle. They actually still giggle about that to this day. Sometimes you just have to look at an unfortunate situation with the mindset of, “Well, it’s either gonna live… or it’s gonna die.”

He enjoyed vacationing at Roaring River, rarely missing the opening day of the season. He was a master at turning the crank on the White Mountain ice cream maker so that his family could enjoy the best ice cream ever during a hot summer family gathering. He was also a helpful brother and son who could be counted on to help with any task or project, even if his only “thank you” was getting stapled to the roof!

He passed on many life lessons to his family and friends, particularly the values of hard work, attention to detail, and dedication to the task at hand. These were evident when he coached youth baseball in the summertime while his kids were young. Many of his past players still addressed Michael as “Coach” throughout his life. He channeled his attention to detail into the restoration of his 1967 Chevelle and 1949 Chevy pick-up truck. He got a kick out of driving these beauties around to car shows with his car show families. He had a love for historic vehicles which he carried with him for the rest of his life. He was hoping to have one more vintage vehicle, a 1962 Chevy pick-up, finished to take around to the shows, but God had bigger plans for him. His legacy of dedicating himself to finishing the job inspires his family to have the work completed so they can cruise around with Daddy riding shotgun in spirit.

His greatest pride and accomplishment in life, however, were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A quiet man Michael was, unless it came to bragging on his loved ones to anyone who would listen! Many happily listened to Michael’s stories because he lit up in a way that no one could when he talked about his family! He loved them across the universe and back and would go to such lengths to make sure they were safe, healthy, happy, and loved.

In life, as in death, Michael Graves served as an inspiration to us all. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community. May he rest in peace and his memory live on.

Michael was a proud supporter of organ donation and was a donor himself. He felt extremely blessed when his son’s life was saved through donation. Michael was able to help 52 people through organ donation after his death. We are so incredibly proud of him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Lorena; his loving children, Tamra Birch and Andy Graves; his caring daughter-in-law, Jodi Graves; his adored grandchildren: Kaitlyn Chambers, Wyatt Graves, Trey Graves, Olivia Graves; and his sweet great-grandchildren: Izaiah Carter, Asher Chambers, and Layton Graves (who we are eagerly awaiting to join our family). Five nieces and two nephews who he loved dearly will also be missing him forever and always.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold (Shorty) Graves and Permelia (Moody) Graves (Moffat); his big brother, Wilson Graves; and his little sister, Cheryl Carpenter (Graves), all of whom he carried in his heart for the remainder of his life.

A memorial service to celebrate Michael’s life was held Friday, Dec. 13, at the Church of God Holiness. Joe Trussell was the minister. Online condolences may be left at www.blandhackleman.com.