Howard Oran "Pop" Graves age 100, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 22, 2021. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2021 in Memory Hill Gardens with Rev. W.N. McDaniel, pastor of First Southern Methodist Church, officiating and Memory Chapel Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and John Graves; his wife of 74 years, Oda Rea Graves; and two sons, Charles and Dwight Graves. He is survived by his daughter, Anne Johnson; sons, Don Graves (Ruth) and David Graves; daughter-in-law, Jeanette Graves; nine grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. Pop was born in Perry County. At an early age he learned to play the banjo and guitar for relaxation from working tirelessly in the cotton fields six days a week. He served in the Army during WWII as a mechanic and was stationed in the Philippines. Later, he owned and operated several businesses in Tuscaloosa. He was well respected and worked hard to support his family. Pop's greatest gifts were his generosity and care for others. He helped raise his siblings at the early age of eight, due to his mother's illness, and continued to support them throughout life. He visited his mother every day until her passing at the age of 95. He gardened until the age of 93. His joy was to share his vegetables with friends and family. At Christmas he always had a box of apples and oranges to give away. He enjoyed life to the fullest and met his goal of living to be 100. He said to live this long you had to not worry about what you cannot control. His calm, caring and generous nature will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gideons International for the purchase of Bibles, Box 70181 Tuscaloosa, AL 35407.