John David Graves

Angier– John David Graves, 67, passed away Tuesday August 6 th , 2024, at Johnston Health Hospital in Clayton. Born in Madison County, Indiana, he was the son of the late Merl Graves and Martha Murphy Graves.

John was born April 24, 1957, in Anderson Indiana and came from a meager beginning. He moved to North Carolina in the early 1970s. In 1979 he met the love of his life. He moved to Angier in 1985 and from that time began to form a life around his family’s future. He ran a construction company from the 1990’s until 2009. There was nothing he could not build or fix if he set his mind to it. He could weld, build houses, do basic electrical and mechanical.

In his early 40’s he decided to try his hand at farming. This is when he acquired his best friend, Clyde. Clyde was a 5-month-old stallion that John broke and rode for over 20 years. Once again, he proved there was nothing he could not do if he set his mind to it. He went on to own several more horses as well as train them for various pleasures.

One of his greatest joys was the day he became a “Papa.” He sat out to the best “Papa “he could, once again proving he could do anything he set his mind to. There was nothing that brought him more joy than spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by his family. He instilled a hard work ethic and love for family in his children. He left behind a great legacy for his children to be able to follow, regarding love, laughter, and work ethic.

John is survived by his wife, Rebecca Graves; children, David Graves of Coats, Harmony Beasley (Jamie) of Angier, Jeremiah Graves (Sonia) of Benson, Sarah Graves of Dunn, and John Paul Graves (Amanda) of Erwin; Nine grandchildren, William, Grace, Emma, Rebecca, Collin, Anna, Alanna, Owen, Ethan; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Hill; brother, William Graves; grandson, Nathan Graves; and a cousin, Ricky Gray.

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, August 16 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 300 E. McIver Street Angier NC 27501. The burial will follow at Lakeside Memorial Gardens, Angier. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 15 from 6-8 PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Angier.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com