John Wesley Graves, 77, of McComb, MS, passed away on September 11, 2024. Born on November 25, 1946, John led a life marked by love of his family, service to his country, and commitment to his faith.
After graduating from Brookhaven High School in 1964, John enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served with distinction during the Vietnam War. He was one of only three Radiomen out of 150 men selected to the Navy Admiral Flagship staff, with deployments that took him to the Middle East and around the Horn of Africa.
Following his military service, he married the love of his life, Sheila. John and Sheila both pursued higher education at the University of Southern Mississippi, where John earned a bachelor's degree in counseling. While in college he and Sheila welcomed their two sons, John and Matthew. Their much-loved daughter Emily was born soon thereafter. John embarked on a career in finance and real estate, working for United Companies and Century 21. John changed vocations and worked as a subsurface surveyor for Eastman Whipstock offshore in Houma, LA, until the oilfield crashed. He moved his family back to McComb where he worked for Federated Insurance. He then came the founder and owner of Southwest Home Protection in Summit, MS for the last 18 years or his working career.
John was a devout Christian and an avid golfer, passions that he balanced with his professional endeavors and family life. He is survived by his sons, John Graves (Amber) and Matthew Graves (Tisa), his grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sister, Claudia, and nieces. John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sheila Mary Graves; daughter, Emily Marie Wicker; brother, George Graves; and mother, Charlotte Graves.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the First Assembly of God church in McComb, MS, 718 Hart Rd, McComb, MS. Visitation will commence at 11:00 AM followed by the memorial service at 12:00 PM. John's life was a testament to his resilience, compassion, and devotion to those he loved and served. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Reception to be held immediately following the service.