CHARLES GRAVES

Charles Leo Graves, 87, of Lexington died Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, at Kendal.

Born Aug. 14, 1935, in Rockbridge County, he was a son of William Estes Graves and Winifred Leona Cash Graves.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Virginia Plogger Graves; son-in-law Barry Johnson; granddaughters Kalli Johnson and Mary Warnick; sisters Sue Hartless, Edith Kirby and Barbara Robinson; and brother William Estes Graves Jr.

Charles was a member of Timber Ridge A.R. Presbyterian Church, and retired as a diesel mechanic for White’s Truck Stop. In 1954 Charles entered the U.S. Army in Fort Jackson, S.C. After completing 16 weeks of basic training, he joined the 11th Airborne Jump School in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After graduating Jump school in October 1954, he was sent to Alaska where he made over 58 jumps. Charles was later sent to Munich, Germany, where he would spend the next two years before he returned home to his family in Rockbridge County.

Charles loved to hunt and fish. His most favorite thing in the world was spending time with his family! He was an amazing Dad and “Papaw.”

Surviving are his children, Deborah Mohler (Odie), Margie Koogler (David), Charles Edward Graves (Lori) and Donna Johnson; grandchildren Heather Mohler, Matt Mohler, Nicole Koogler Clark (Jonathan), Courtney Koogler Ercolano (Sam) and Samantha Graves; great-grandchildren Hadleigh Martin, Rylan Mohler, Treyce McCormick, Alexis Clark, Charlie Clark, Harrison Clark, Will McDougle, Allie Warnick and Beau Breeden; brothers Albert Graves and Johnny Graves (Ellen); sisters Faye Madison, Patricia Broughman and Kathy Clevenger (John); and furry friend Molly.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 24, at Timber Ridge A.R. Presbyterian Church Cemetery by the Rev. Ron Ellis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Charles to Timber Ridge ARP Church, 160 Timber Ridge Road, Fairfield, VA 24435.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.

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