Mr. Vernon Graves, Sr., 82, of 307 Wye St., Waverly, VA, departed this life on February 28, 2015, at his residence. Vernon was born on February 16, 1933, in Sussex County to Eddie Graves and Mamie Graves.

Vernon was baptized at an early age and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church. As a member, he served in several capacities. He received his education in Sussex County and was a veteran of the United States Army. He later attended Virginia State College to earn his license as a barber. Vernon was also a faithful employee of the Town of Waverly, from which he retired on December 31, 2002.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wallace Graves and Clifton Brown; two sisters, Ella Graves and Lucille Jones; and his son, Vernon Graves, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife of 54 years, Ophelia Wilkins Graves; two daughters, Ivory Wilson and Lena Saunders (Calvin); brothers, Joseph Graves of Augusta, GA, and Cleveland Graves of White Plains, NY; sisters, Mary Jeter of Mt. Vernon, NY, Alma Plenty of Halifax, VA, Patricia Staley (James) of Trenton, NJ, Catherine Wallace of Newport News, VA, and Sally Jones (John) of Waverly, VA. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Nathaniel Wilkins (Marion), Horace Wilkins (Vernell), Roland Parham; sisters-in-law, Geraldine Wilkins and Ilona Wilkins. He is also survived by three grandchildren, (Anisha, Stephanie, and Mark); and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, friends and neighbors, to include several devoted: Mr. Mack Jones, Mrs. Janice Jones, and Mrs. Yvonne Turner. Also, special thanks to the Hospice Society and Waverly Medical Center.

Funeral service for Mr. Graves will be Saturday, March 7, 2015, at 12 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 315 Church Street, Waverly, VA, Rev. Dr. Ronald C. Taylor, pastor. Interment will follow at the First Baptist Church Cemetery, Waverly, VA.