Bill Don Graves

September 3, 1932

October 1, 2016

Bill Graves passed away on October 1, 2016.  His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly.

Bill  Don Graves was born Sept. 3, 1932 in Elmore City, Oklahoma to parents Charlie Graves and Erma Rose Dill Graves.  He grew up there, and graduated from Elmore City High School.  From there, he went on to serve in the United States Navy at Naval Air Station, Beeville, Texas, where he met and married his beloved wife of 48 years, Louise Graves.  Following his four years of service, he returned to Republic Supply, where he had worked during his high school years, and spent the remainder of his 33-year career in Houston, Texas.

He was a pillar of his community, and First Baptist Church, in Salado, Texas where he served as a Deacon and lived happily and faithfully for 32 years.  He volunteered 8 years of his life as the FBC Business Administrator.  One of his special joys was singing and performing with friends in the Crossed Timbers Quartet from his church home.  Bill was a Mason and recently received his 50 year pin.  He modeled the words of 1 Corinthians 13, as he loved people and they loved him.  Bill encouraged, mentored, taught, and imparted his faith, wisdom and influence in many ways throughout his memorable life.  Those who knew him were touched by his deep and abiding love for the Lord, and his tireless service to others.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Erma Graves, his siblings Linda Choate, Joe Graves, Charlene Graves, and Erma Graves; his beloved wife Louise Graves and son Robert Borchardt.

He is survived by his brothers Deryll Graves and Terry Graves, his daughter in law Carol Borchardt, his grandchildren, John Borchardt, Mark Borchardt, and Lori Borchardt Petersen and Matthew Petersen, his grandchildren Luke and Reese Petersen, and Irma Borchardt; as well as his niece Michele Hendrix, and multiple nieces and nephews.

A visitation was held Oct. 4, at First Baptist Church of Salado at 9 a.m.  followed by the funeral service.  After the service, a light brunch was served before internment at Salado Cemetery.

Flowers, donations or memorial gifts may be sent to First Baptist Church at 210 South Main Street, Salado Texas 76571.  For questions, you may call the church at (254) 947-5465.

Services were in the care of Broecker Funeral Home.