Graves, Willard Clinton

W. Clinton Graves, 80, lifelong resident of Blacksburg and loving husband of Ina Mae Cromer Graves, passed away on April 21, 2007.

He was born on May 24, 1926 and was the son of Dillard and Bessie Goad Graves. Mr. Graves served in the US Navy during WWII, where he began a life of the community service. In 1948 he founded and served as president of Clinton Transfer and Storage.

As a longtime member of Blacksburg Baptist Church, he served on the Board of Trustees, as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, and as the Director of Sunday School. Mr. and Mrs. Graves also made possible the Blacksburg Baptist Church Youth Center, which was named in their honor.

Mr. Graves was past president of the Blacksburg Kiwanis Club, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and he served on the Board of Directors of the Blacksburg National Bank. He was honored by the Chamber of Commerce as Distinguished Citizen of the Year and Business person of the Year.

Mr. Graves was also awarded the Gunnar Teilman Layperson of the Year. He was integral to the success of the Montgomery County Christmas Store, which brings joy to many people of the New River Valley. Mr. Graves was also an avid fan of the Hokies and of Blacksburg High School Athletics.

Mr. Graves is survived by his wife, Ina Mae Cromer Graves of Blacksburg, Va.; three children, Gary, Lisa and Brian Graves, all of Blacksburg; two grandchildren, Carley and Leah Graves of Blacksburg; a sister, Freda King of Salem, Va.; three half sisters, Reda Hixon, Shirley Sheppard and Ruth Davis of Blacksburg, Va.; and two half brothers, James Graves of Christiansburg, Va. and Curtis Graves of Roanoke, Va.

Visitation for Mr. Graves will be held at the McCoy Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 24, 2007, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The funeral will be held at Blacksburg Baptist Church on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 1 p.m. with Dr. Ray Allen, Dr. Don McKinney and Dr.Tommy McDearis officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Blacksburg Baptist Church, 550 North Main Street, Blacksburg. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home.