Albert Don Graves, 82, died April 1

It is with immense sadness we share that Albert Don Graves, 82, passed from this life into the glory of heaven on April 1, 2023, surrounded by his family at home in Buena Vista after a short battle with cancer.

Albert was born Aug. 13, 1940, in Decatur near Fairfield to William Estes and Winifred Leona Cash Graves, who passed in 1984 and 2004, respectively.

He was the fifth-born of 10 children. Siblings William, Charles, Edith, Sandra Hartless, and Barbara Robertson all predeceased Albert. Sadly, his youngest son, Stacey Graves, departed this world in August 2022.

Cedar Creek, the Graves family homeplace in Decatur, always seemed to call to Albert. He went beyond sharing stories to compiling them into a book for his children. Such stories include the childhood fun of cowboys with stick horses, the novelty of indoor plumbing at school, and the occasional treat of a night at Hull’s Drive-In.

For Albert, the call of work was louder than the call of education. He left school after eighth grade and his first jobs included caretaking at the Black & White Cabins in Fairfield, packing apples and peaches at Alexander’s Orchard, and washing dishes at Redwood Restaurant. He retired from Institution Foods in 2003 after 29 years of service.

Community was important to Albert, and he served with Lexington Volunteer Fire Department as both a fireman and fire police for a number of years. He was also an active member of the Lexington Moose Lodge for a time.

Albert was a proud father who always encouraged his children and believed in them. Their hearts are shattered to have lost him, but they also rejoice in the knowledge that he is now pain-free.

Albert’s legacy lives on in Teresa Zollman (Clay), Clay Graves (Sandra), Marty Graves Sr. (Robin), Angela Graves (Ernie), and Allison Walters (Brittni). Beloved grandchildren brightened Albert’s life and they will keep his memory alive by sharing cherished stories with his great-grandchildren. Those blessed families include Casey Higgins (James; Caitlin Webb (Christopher), Jackson, and Tucker), Ben Zollman (Michelle; Triniti, Marla, and Chloe); Justin Graves (Brittany; Carter and Morgan); Brittany Sharp (Shane); Amber Camden (David; Chase and Montana); Charles Anthony Newell, Jr.; Marty Graves, Jr. (Carley); Colton Dame (Tiffany); Dallas Graves; McKenzie Graves; Hailey Wade; and Annabelle Cordova. Remaining siblings - John Graves (Ellen), Faye Madison, Patricia Broughman, and Kathy Clevenger (John) – are left with precious memories of Albert and their family who passed before him.

In his last days, Albert was comforted and entertained by ex-wife Carole Graves, as well as dear neighbors Brenda Barlow and Dale Clark.

A celebration of life will be held at Rockbridge Community Church of the Nazarene on Tuesday, April 4, at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be directed to Connections Plus Healthcare & Hospice, formerly Rockbridge Area Hospice.