John Christian Graves
June 15, 1922 - February 9, 2020

John C. (Jay) Graves was born on June 15, 1922 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Julia Turner Graves and John C. Graves, Sr. He peacefully went to be with the Lord on February 9, 2020, in Dripping Springs, Texas.
The youngest of six children, Jay spent time in both Texas and Oklahoma during his childhood. Jay graduated from Fox Tech High School in San Antonio. It was at church in San Antonio where he met the love of his life, Doris Duncan Graves. They were married on October 11, 1941 and celebrated 74 years of marriage before her death in 2015. Jay joined the Army Air Corps during World War II and was stationed in the Azores Islands. After returning home to San Antonio, Jay worked in civil service as a guidance counselor at Kelly Air Force Base until his retirement. Jay accepted Christ as his Savior following his return from WWII, and he and his wife spent the rest of their lives ministering to others. He was ordained as a Pentecostal preacher, and travelled throughout the years preaching the gospel, and never hesitated to share his testimony. Later in life, Jay was ordained as a deacon in the Baptist church and continued to testify and serve others until his death at age 97.
Jay and Doris enjoyed dancing, golfing, tennis, and in later years, traveling. They celebrated a memorable 50th wedding anniversary in Hawaii and loved to tell stories of their travels. He was a member of the Boerne, TX VFW, was a past Worthy Patron of Star Chapter O.E.S. in San Antonio, and a member of the Masonic Lodge, and he enjoyed spending time with these friends and working on their projects together. They enjoyed their seven great-grandchildren and loved bringing them treats on visits and taking them shopping.
Jay is preceded in death by his parents John & Julia Graves, wife Doris Duncan Graves, siblings Christina Castle, Clifford Graves, Lucille Ferrar, Roy Graves, and Louise Benfer.
Jay is survived by his daughter Sherry Haydon and husband Charlie, son Bill Graves and wife Denise. Jay and Doris had four grandchildren: Laura Russell and husband John, Lea Anne Schroeder and husband Brad, Jason Haydon and wife Kelly, Lauren Cloud and husband Doug, as well as seven great-grandchildren Haydon, Ella, Bracken, Ben, Landry, Brielle, and Lucy. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, and many friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hill Country Care Nursing Facility and St. Gabrielle's Hospice for the loving care he received.
They would also like to thank the staff and many friends he made at Brookdale Hamilton-Wolfe Assisted Living in San Antonio for their love and support during his nearly 5 year residence there. They helped him create a new life for himself following his wife's death in 2015. Jay served as a Brookdale Ambassador welcoming new residents and encouraging them in the many activities he enjoyed there, especially dancing.
We rejoice that Jay (Papa) is dancing in heaven, praising his Savior face-to-face.
Pallbearers include grandsons Doug Cloud, Jason Haydon, John Russell, and Brad Schroeder. Honorary pallbearers include great-grandsons Haydon Russell, Ben Russell, and Bracken Schroeder.
Visitation will be held for Jay at 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, with funeral service to follow at 2:00pm at Harrell's Funeral Home in Dripping Springs, 100 Heritage Dr. across from Belterra. Interment will follow at Phillip's Cemetery in Dripping Springs.

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