Fr. Clarence Edwin Graves' Obituary
Rev. Clarence Edwin “Ed” Graves
January 2, 1941 – October 6, 2025
Rev. Clarence Edwin “Ed” Graves, lovingly known as Father Ed, Uncle Ed, or Eddie, passed away on October 6, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Born on January 2, 1941, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Clarence and Frances Graves, Father Ed was raised in Jacksonville, Florida, and later Memphis, Tennessee, with his sister, Judy Finley. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the Memphis College of Art and a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the University of Mississippi.
His call to religious life began during a high school retreat at a Trappist Monastery in Georgia and later led him to the Camaldolese Monastery in Big Sur, California. After thirteen years as a commercial artist, he pursued the priesthood for the Diocese of Little Rock, studying at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. He was ordained on June 20, 1992, at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew by the Most Reverend Andrew J. McDonald.
Following nearly two decades of ministry, Father Ed retired in 2011 but continued to serve by celebrating Mass, assisting parishes, and sharing his artistic and musical talents. He produced a music CD, wrote several books, and continued painting throughout his life.
Known for his joyful spirit and love of people, Father Ed often brought his guitar to church gatherings, delighting children with songs like “Jesus is the Rock, and He rolls my blues away.” He loved to paint, play guitar, listen to Elvis Presley, and enjoy old sci-fi movies—especially The Creature from the Black Lagoon. A fan of The Andy Griffith Show and a devoted coffee connoisseur, he found joy in life’s simple pleasures and in sharing them with others.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Frances Graves; his sister, Judy Finley; and his brother-in-law, Quentin “Buddy” Finley. He is survived by his niece, Sonya Chamberlin (Chad); great-nephew, Kaleb; and great-niece, Madisen.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the Funeral Mass begins at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Church of the Holy Spirit, 2300 Hickory Crest Drive, Memphis, Tennessee 38119. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Father Ed will be remembered for his faith, creativity, humor, and deep love for God’s people. His legacy lives on in all those he inspired through his art, music, and ministry.
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