Milton “Wayne” Graves, age 84, passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.
Born in Gadsden on September 14, 1938, Wayne grew up in both Alabama and Mississippi. He graduated from Central High School in Lauderdale County in 1957. He was then accepted to the Reynolds Metals Electrical Apprenticeship Program in 1958. Wayne continued his career as an electrician as a member of the IBEW L.U.558 for 65 years. In addition, he served in the National Guard for three years.
Wayne was an active man his entire life. He loved the game of golf and played with his retiree group consistently over the last 20 years, earning 11 hole-in-ones. Wayne enjoyed experimenting and mastering new technology and maintaining his immaculate lawn.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Hazel Graves and brothers Dexter and Bill Graves. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia “Pat” Graves of Florence, AL; brother, Vandell Graves of Athens, AL; son Darryl Graves (Tina) of Florence, AL; daughter Sabrina Hughes of Huntsville, AL, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Greenview Funeral Home in Florence, Alabama on Friday, July 7, 2023 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with a graveside ceremony immediately following. Pallbearers will include: Mitchell Graves, Tyler Graves, Connor Hughes, John Armayor, Ken Chandler, Joel Scott, Mike Womble and Ricky Craig.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Robert Mann and the Aveanna Hospice Team. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
