Billy Joe Graves

Billy Joe Graves of Hewitt passed away Friday, September 9, 2016. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 13, in the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with Dr. John Dirk officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, Sept. 12, in the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Billy Joe was born June 12, 1930, in Hubbard, Texas to Homer and Evvie Graves. Bill graduated from Hubbard High School in 1948 where he lettered in football. At the end of his senior year, he began dating the love of his life, Se Layna Griffin, and they later married on September 28, 1952. He began working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in February 1949 as an installer and retired as a technician in 1994 with almost 45 years service. He was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed spending time at the deer lease that he shared with his son-in-law and grandson. He also enjoyed traveling to Colorado every year with his wife and continued to do so as long as his health permitted. Bill loved reading any material available on firearms and had an amazing memory regarding all the makes and models. Bill and Se Layna have been members of Woodway First United Methodist Church and the Pathfinders Sunday School class since 1989. Bill was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Se Layna Graves; and their four children, daughters, Pam Eskew and husband, Steve, of Woodway, Marcia Cook and husband, Wendell, of Lorena; sons, David Graves and wife, Mary, of Waco and Paul Graves of McGregor. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Amanda Eskew Stewart and husband, Mark, Scott Eskew and wife, Courtney, Adam Cook, Josh Cook and wife, Allison, Kristi Martinelli, William Graves, Thomas Graves, Chris Graves and wife, Holli, Angela Graves Sheedy and husband, Chris; and twelve great-grandchildren with the thirteenth due in October. Bill is also survived by his sister, Cornelia Snider, and niece, Gail Nichols. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woodway First United Methodist Church. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.