of Lexa, AR
July 30, 1920 - November 20, 2019
Luther Fred Graves, 99, of Lexa, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2019 in Southaven, Mississippi. He was born July 30, 1920 in Lockesburg, Arkansas to the late Ettie McClendon Graves and Richard Graves.
Mr. Graves was a veteran of the U.S Navy for 34 years, attended Lexa Baptist Church in Lexa, Arkansas, and was a retired self-employed building contractor.
He is survived by two daughters, Dr. Barbara Sue Graves of Boca Raton, Florida and Dr. Julie Zink (Richard) of Minot, Maine; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Ruth Holloway Graves; parents, Ettie Graves and Richard Graves; son, Leon F. Graves; four sisters, Georgia Mae Graham, Juanita Livingston, Dorothy Whisenant, and Mary Harris; brother, James Graves; two grandchildren, Robert Graves and Karen Graves.
A funeral service for Mr. Luther Fred Graves will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 25, 2019 at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena, Arkansas. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m., Sunday, November 24, 2019 at Roller-Citizens as well. Interment to follow after service to Sunset Memorial Park in West Helena, Arkansas. Rev. Dr. Pam Crews will officiate.
Pallbearers are Richard Zink, Tristian Graves, Keelan Graves, Zachary Graves, Eric Ryan, Dennis Ford, Ray Dawson, Jr., and Leon Graves, Jr.
Honorary Pallbearers are Adam Zink, Kenneth Kirkpatrick, and Gary Graves.
Memorials may be made to the Honor Flight Network, 175 S. Tuttle Rd. Springfield, OH 45505; or to your favorite charity of your choice in his name.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
What an amazing life. Sue,I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thoughts and prayers are with y’all at this time. He was a great man and loyal customer of my barbershop.
Best wishes to his family
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 🙏🙏
I had the privilege of meeting Mr.Graves when his granddaughter,Kimber brought him to my office to get his military ID. He was quite the celebrity. The full time staff of the 875th Engineer Battalion, Arkansas National Guard all came to my office to meet him and take their picture with him. We all enjoyed his stories. We were also impressed with the care his granddaughter gave him. God bless your family during this time.
Please accept my condolences on the loss of a truly loved individual. I may never fathom how painful this loss is for this beauteous family. I hope that you all may have peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Fred & I are very sorry to hear about Mr Graves. I have known him since 1952, when we moved to Phillips County very close to him & his family. My husband, Fred sure remembers him as both of them were in the Naval Reserve together in the late 1950's and early 1960's. The one's I knew & thought lots of were Fred, Ruth, Leon & Georgia.
Sue, May you feel the strength of support by those who care about you in this time of loss. Sincere condolences for all who were touched by Mr. Graves life and legacy. Warmly, Melissa Lee
We will miss Dad. We want to thank everyone for their concern and help for our family during this time.
What a great father, Dad and husband. What great memories! John and I are so sorry for your loss but we know he is now with your Mom and know you have had so many wonderful years with him.
Our hearts grieve for you and we send you our hugs and love.
Kimber and family, I am so sorry for your loss, I have you all in my thoughts and prayers. I know your grandpa loved you so much Kimber,I could see it in your Facebook pictures. May God heal your hearts and give you all comfort.