Albert Denton, “Ab” or “Pop,” Graves, 88, of Murphy, went peacefully from his home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016.
He was the son of the late John Edgar “J.E.” and Azalee Dockery Graves. Ab was born Feb. 19, 1928.
He took great pride in many accomplishments throughout his life. As a young man, he worked at his father’s“rolling store.”
He served this country for several years as a member of the U.S. Army and spent much of that time stationed in the Philippines during the Korean War.
As time passed, Ab took on many more endeavors. Shortly after leaving the Army, he accepted a logging job that took him to Oregon on several occasions.
Ab loved to travel, but it wasn’t long before he permanently returned to Murphy, the town that had always been his home. He then met Gertrude Shook, who would soon become his wife. After they married in 1953, Ab spent some time working for an oil distributor for Pure service stations and later owned a Pure service station in
Murphy.
In the 1960s, he opened Graves Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge, where he sold new and used cars for years before passing the business down to his oldest son, Morris.
He also served as a commissioner for Cherokee County in the late 1980s.
Before fully retiring in 2005, Ab transported and sold vehicles for the local Jacky Jones dealership, with Gertrude accompanying him on many road trips.
Perhaps his greatest achievement, Ab was a devout Christian and member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Hanging Dog. He was a loving husband, father to five children, grandfather to eight grandchildren, and a beloved friend who was cherished by many.
Ab was an animal lover who enjoyed entertaining family and friends, traveling around the country, passing spare time “surfing the Web” and emailing friends from his computer.
Surviving Mr. Graves are his loving wife of 63 years, Gertrude Graves of Murphy,; four children, Linda Byers and husband Burt Byers, Debbie Mauney and husband Alan Mauney, Morris Graves, Bryan Graves and wife Joy Graves; seven grandchildren, Justin Byers, Travis Fennell, Allie Mauney, Brady and Xander Graves, Summer Bryant and Kaylee Cornelius, all of Murphy; one sister, Sue Lambert of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; and daughter-in-law, Teresa Chastain Schmaldinst.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J.E. and Azalee Graves; three brothers, Burt and Ralph Graves of Murphy, and Jim Graves of Atwater, Ohio; a daughter, Karen Graves Luther; a grandson, Morris Heath Graves; and a sister, Velma Sprinkles, all of Murphy.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Murphy. Pastor Edward Carter officiated. Burial was in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Alan Mauney, Burt Byers, Travis Fennell, Tommy Graves, Kenny Thomas and Matt Lambert.
The family received friends from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.
“And the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Jesus Christ, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” 1 Peter 5:10 (KJV).
You may send tributes to the Graves family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.