Frank Merritt Graves, Jr.'s Obituary
Frank M. Graves, 86, passed away on June 11, 2018. He was born in Memphis, TN on October 6, 1931, the son of Frank M. Graves, Sr. and Rosalie Thompson Graves. His beloved step-father, John Abernethy, played a significant role in his upbringing as well, and they enjoyed a close relationship throughout his life.Frank was a graduate of Central High School, and attended Memphis State University, where he was a member of the men’s tennis team and was a sports writer for the Tiger Rag, the university’s newspaper.He was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War, and soon married his loving wife of 60 years, Thelma Clemons Graves, on December 24, 1952. After living in Columbia, SC and Miami, FL, they returned to Memphis.Frank had a successful career in the insurance industry, with almost 40 years as an executive with Marx and Bensdorf and Memphis Fire Insurance Company. In addition, he and Thelma owned and operated multiple Baskin Robbins stores in the Memphis area for over 10 years.Frank was a devoted family man and long-time member of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee. He found no greater pleasure than spending quality time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a sports enthusiast, and enjoyed countless hours on the golf course and tennis courts. He was a true fan of the Memphis Grizzlies and University of Memphis Tiger basketball, and was a Tiger season ticket holder for over 20 years.Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma; and 2 children, Susan Graves Moss and Frank Merritt Graves III, and is survived by 1 daughter, Karin Graves Ruffin (Jeff) of Germantown; 4 grandchildren, David Moss, Dana Moss, Caroline Ruffin, and Carter Ruffin.Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery at 5668 Poplar Ave. has charge, and visitation will be Monday, June 18 at noon, with funeral services to follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in the cemetery following the service.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”. You may view the tribute video slideshow by clicking: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/9W4W3MS8SGTTGL6Z
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