Vernon Gene Graves Obituary (1944 - 2007)

Vernon Gene Graves, 62, of Pana, died Tuesday, January 2, 2007 in Tallulah, Louisiana, as a result of a semi accident. He was born October 20, 1944 in Lenoir City, Tennessee, the son of John Riley and Juanita Blanche Mashburn Graves. Vernon had served in the U.S. Army, and was an O.T.R. truck driver for Calhoun Transportation. He loved all of his dogs, as well as NASCAR. He collected NASCAR memorabilia, and was looking forward to retiring in February. Vernon married Lucy Collins on December 30, 1983 in Tennessee. He is survived by his wife, Lucy Graves, Pana, IL; mother: Juanita Blanche Graves, Pana, IL; children: Vernon "Jay" Graves, Charlotte, NC; Dena Maria Bell, Westerville, OH; Steven Bradley Graves, Westerville, OH; Brian Michael Graves, Pickerington, OH; Holly Jones, Murfreesboro, TN; and 14 Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, John Riley Graves and one brother. Funeral Information A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 6, 2007 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Greg Breeden officiating.