Dennis Lamar Graves, 81, passed away Friday morning, May 9, 2025, at his home.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Wednesday at Shackelford Funeral Directors - Crook Avenue Chapel with Clint Burkhead officiating.
Burial followed at Trinity Cemetery.
The family received friends at Crook Avenue from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday.
He was born in Chester County, the son of the late Joe and Roma Long Graves. He grew up in Henderson and graduated from Chester County High School. His working career took him on multiple paths. He sold milk for Clarence Guinn to buy his first guitar. His sales experience included selling cars, boats and motorcycles. In the early 60’s, he operated the Exxon Station in Henderson. He worked as superintendent for Chickasaw for 10 years. He then worked for Proctor and Gamble for eight years. He returned to the state as Environmental Superfund Director for Region 1. He also raised and sold beefalo.
He married Betty Maness in 1997, and they made their home in Henderson.
He enjoyed listening to and playing music, especially bluegrass, watching westerns and piddling with things. He was Baptist in belief.
The family would like to express special thanks to his caregivers at Legacy Hospice and Tracy Clement and London Toth.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Ann Graves; a son, Brad (Tina) Graves of Henderson; three daughters, Paige Bates of Lexington, Darla Rogers of Finger and Tracy Toth of Henderson; a brother, Ronald Graves of Cookeville; nine grandchildren, Colby Bates, Braden (Anna) Bates, Oakley (Kayla) Bates, Heath (Lauren) Graves, Riley (Jami) Griswell, Lacy (Eastan) Harper, Ethan (Anna) Harper, Autumn Toth and London Toth; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Mallerie Graves, Nicole Griswell and Raven Griswell.
