TOANO — John William “Bill” Graves, 84, was born Jan. 7, 1937, in Washington, D.C., and died peacefully Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021.
Bill grew up and attended school in the District of Columbia at St. Francis Xavier (K-8) and Mackin High School. Upon graduation from Mackin, Bill joined the U.S. Army in 1957, where, after completing basic training, he was stationed at Fort Dix, N.J.
After the military, Bill joined Washington Gas Light Company and retired after 40 years of service. Though he had no formal training outside of a high school drafting class, Bill spent 40 years as a draftsman and received an award for leading the effort to modernize the company’s drafting department through the adoption of computer-aided-design software. Upon retiring from Washington Gas, Bill ran his own CAD company, specializing in civil engineering applications. He ran that business until 2010.
Bill and his wife were avid square and round dancers, which led to much travel, something Bill loved. He enjoyed gardening and working in the yard. He spent many years researching family genealogy, something that interested him very much. He also loved his model trains and spending time with his grandchildren. Bill and his wife were lifelong members of the Catholic Church.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor Graves; father, Vernon Graves Sr.; and brother, Veron Graves Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane; son, Anthony, and his wife, Lauren Graves; daughter, Christina Harris; granddaughters, Amanda, Alyson and Angela Harris; and nephews, Steven, Mitchell and Michael Graves.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 14, at St. Olaf, Patron of Norway Church, Norge. The family will be receiving guests one hour prior to the service. A private graveside burial will be conducted Sunday, Aug. 15.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Share online condolences with the family at Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service.
