Richard Graves, 79, of Pageland, SC, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2024, in Pageland, South Carolina.

Born on August 5, 1944, in Concord, North Carolina. Richard was the beloved son of the late Dillon Patton and Ruth Graves. His journey through life was shared with his devoted wife of 60 years, Bobbie Jean Graves, who, along with their children and grandchildren, brought him immeasurable joy and pride. Together, they built a family founded on love and mutual respect. Their sons, Teddy Graves (Diana) of Buena Park, California, and Timothy Graves of Pageland, South Carolina, as well as their daughter, Tammy Graves Ward (Brian) of Albemarle, North Carolina, were a source of endless happiness for Richard.

His legacy continues through his adored grandchildren, Nikki Dorsey (Joshua) of Jefferson, South Carolina, Zachary B. Graves (Agnes) of Hawaii, Andrew R. Graves (Natalie) of Buena Park, California, Abbey Ward of Alexandria, Virginia, Kloe Ward of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Jacob Graves of Pageland, South Carolina and seven great grandchildren.  Richard's special cousins, Betty Wilkerson, Patsy Hurst, and Richard Rhyne, all of Chesterfield, South Carolina, and his brother-in-law, Howard Steen of Pageland, South Carolina, along with numerous nieces and nephews, also survive him.

Richard's passion for the outdoors was evident to all who knew him. He spent countless hours coaching baseball and softball for his church team and the local textile team, sharing his love for the game and his commitment to community and teamwork. His enthusiasm for playing golf, fishing, and gardening was only matched by the joy he found in spending time with his grandchildren, whom he adored. A man of deep faith, Richard served as a deacon for 30 years, embodying the spirit of service and compassion. His professional life was marked by over 50 years of dedication to the textile business before he retired, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and integrity. Even in his leisure time, Richard's love for people shone through. He relished going to yard sales and flea markets, always on the lookout for treasures and the opportunity to share a smile or a kind word with others. Richard Graves lived a life that was full and joyous. He was a loving husband, a supportive father, a doting grandfather, and a faithful friend.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Baumgartner Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Baumgartner Funeral Home with Dr. Jackie Jenkins and Rev. Marvin Tyson officiating. The burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park of Pageland.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Levine Cancer Institute, C/O Atrium Health Foundation for Hematology Department, 7800 Providence Rd, Suite 208, Charlotte, NC 28226 or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org.

Arrangements are entrusted to Baumgartner Funeral Home (www.baumgartnerfh.com) of Pageland, South Carolina.