Thomas Graves

Thomas Ray Graves passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024, at the age of 84, in Mesquite, Texas. He was born on April 21, 1940, in Red River County, Texas, to Olan and Lucille (Lunsford) Graves.

After graduating from Paris High School in 1958, Thomas relocated to Dallas, where he met his future bride, Patricia Ann McCann. They were married on September 29, 1961, in Dallas, Texas. Thomas enlisted in the Army National Guard for a year, and Ann has always joked that he only proposed so he could live off base. He received training at Camp Maxey in Paris, Texas. In response to the Soviet Union's construction of the Berlin Wall, his guard was mobilized along with 30 guard squadrons in October 1961. He was then stationed at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, for a year and received an honorable discharge on August 9, 1962. Throughout his life, Thomas worked as a Machinist before transitioning to a career in computer programming. Throughout his professional journey, he gained experience at several companies, such as Teledyne-Merla and Haliburton.

Thomas and Ann were blessed with two daughters. Lisa Mackey of Sunnyvale, Texas, and spouse Trent Mackey and Alison Bowshier of Mesquite, Texas. They have six grandsons: Justin Williams, wife Kristie of Blossom, Texas; Derek Williams, wife Brooke of Powderly, Texas; Hunter Mackey and Ashley Robinson of Sunnyvale, Texas; Spencer Mackey and wife Ashley of Princeton, Texas; Cooper Mackey and Nikki Hayes of Terrell, Texas, and Tanner Ratzlaff and Cassidy Rosenbaum Money of Blossom, Texas. In addition, they have eight great-grandchildren and cherish the memory of two great-grandsons in heaven. Justin and Kristie's children are Payton, Rylie, Sutton, Laramie, and twins Hagen and Kase. Derek and Brooke have two children, Blakely and Briar. Hunter and Ashley are the proud parents of Harper. Tanner and Cassidy's child, Easton Huie.

Thomas had a deep passion for hunting, fishing, and tinkering with four-wheelers and cars. He truly treasured the moments spent with his six grandsons and extended family. Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family, especially climbing over the fence at car dealerships to admire cars with his brothers-in-law. He also cherished playing dominos with his friends and was known for his infectious laugh. Additionally, he held a great affection for his church family at Friendship Baptist Church in Mesquite, Texas, and his former church, Liberty Baptist in Dallas, Texas.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Ann Graves, to whom he was married for 62 years; sister, Glenda Coble of Detroit, Texas; sister, Patricia, and spouse, D.J. Milam of Reno, Texas; and countless nieces and nephews.

His parents, Olan Graves and Lucille Graves; sister, Marthelle Turner; brother, Clarence Graves; and twin grandsons - Hagen and Kase, preceded him in death.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 27th, at New Hope Funeral Home in Sunnyvale, Texas. The family will receive guests for visitation from 6:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 26th, at New Hope Funeral Home. Interment will be at Woodland Cemetery, Woodland, Texas (Red River County) on Friday, June 28th at 11:00 AM.

Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association in Thomas's name.