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Obituary: Thomas Keith Graves Sr.

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Thomas K. Graves Sr., 88, of Harrisburg, Arkansas departed from this life Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

He was born in Harrisburg, Arkansas on May 28, 1932, the son of Thomas A. and Inis (Eastin) Graves.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons: Thomas K. Graves Jr. and Kenneth Wayne Moss, and one daughter, Tina Miller. Thomas married Joyce Easley on Aug. 5, 1985, and they have enjoyed thirty-five years of marriage.

Thomas entered the military right out of high school and spent 21 years in the Air Force.

He was stationed at several bases around the states and spent one year of service in Vietnam doing air rescue during the war. It was there in Vietnam where he performed a heroic action that awarded him the Distinguished Flying Cross. The Distinguished Flying Cross is a high military decoration awarded to a member of the US Armed Forces who has performed an “act of heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.” He was quite humble about this medal and not too many folks knew about it. He retired from the Air Force in 1971.

He served many years working in the police force and was a lifetime member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Thomas enjoyed his motorcycles, traveling, yard work, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a wonderful man and was loved by all.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce of the home in Harrisburg, one son, Robert Bryan Moss, three daughters: Linda (Graves) Johnson of Cordova, Tennessee, Crystal Qualls, and Dana Newcomb both of Harrisburg, two brothers: Larry Graves of Harrisburg and Billy Graves of San Antonio, Texas, 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Jackson’s Harrisburg Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Thursday at 1:00 in the Chapel with interment at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.

Bro. James Hewitt will conduct the service and these men will be honored to serve as Active Pallbearers: Charles Beall, Noah Qualls, Caleb Qualls, Jordan Ragsdale, Evan Moore, Joshua Moss, Kenny Moss, and Keith Moss.

Arrangements are by Jackson’s Funeral Home

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