Larry Hugh Graves Sr., 69, passed away June 14, 2012 in Tupelo due to complications from a stroke. Mr. Graves was born July 31, 1942 in Yazoo City to the late Mary Elsie Smith Graves and the late L.H. Graves.

     He graduated from Brookhaven High School and Mississippi State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education, master’s degree in counseling and a doctorate in educational psychology. He was employed as a teacher and coach in Jacksonville, Fla., a vocational rehabilitation counselor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and, at the time of his retirement, was the head of the Center for Governmental Technology and the Community Development Department with Bost Cooperative Extension Service at Mississippi State University, where he was instrumental in the development of the training program for municipal and city officials. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Starkville, the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class, the Starkville Quarterback Club, and a lifelong and loyal Bulldog fan. His hobbies included gardening, golfing and spending time with family and friends.

     Mr. Graves is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda Wilson Graves; two sons, Larry Graves Jr. and wife, Robin, and Lawson Graves and wife, Joy; a stepdaughter, Cher Crowley and husband, Cliff, all of Starkville; and a stepson Jody Pennock and wife, Kate Scott Pennock, of Tunica. He was the proud PawPaw of Connor Reinike, Wesley Graves, Tanner Graves, Jordan Crowley, Harper Crowley, Thomas Graves, Hannah Cate Crowley and Piper Graves, all of Starkville, and Georgia Pennock and Sessions Pennock of Tunica. He is also survived by his sisters, Susan Reynolds and husband, Larry, of Florence, and Marianna Knight and husband, Danny Ray, of Brookhaven.

     Visitation will be held at Welch Funeral Home on Sunday, June 17 from 2 until 4 p.m. The funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Starkville on Monday, June 18 at 11 a.m. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Giles Lindley, the Rev. Danny Rowland and the Rev. Bob Whiteside. Burial will follow at 4 p.m. at Easthaven Cemetery in Brookhaven, with the Rev. Bruce Case officiating at the graveside service. 

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Stroke Association, the Mississippi State University Bulldog Club or First United Methodist Church of Starkville, Mississippi. 

     You may go to www.welchfuneralhomes.com to sign the on-line guest registry.