John (Richard) Richerson Graves Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Obituary for John Richerson (Richard) Graves Jr. On Saturday, June 11th, 2022, John R. Graves, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away at age 88. John (Richard) was born February 5th, 1934 in Laurel, Mississippi to John R. (Dick) and Etna Graves. On July 24th, 1953 he married is high school sweetheart Jacqueline Mapp (the love of his life) at Highland Baptist Church in Laurel. Together they raised two children. John (Richard) graduated from Laurel High School and Mississippi State University at Starkville, MS. He worked in retail clothing prior to joining the National Guard where he obtained his pilot license and flew in the Air National Guard. He owned and operated Magnolia Aviation at Laurel Airport prior to joining United Airlines as a pilot based in Denver, Colorado. While flying for United he flew DC8, 720, 727, DC6 and DC7 aircraft. He medically retired from United and moved to Memphis, TN as a flight instructor with Fed Ex. John was warm, friendly, kind and caring to all who came in contact with him. He always had time for the young and old and made a difference in many lives. He was especially loved by his family. John was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his daughter-in-law, Joanna Graves. He is survived by his children, Tanya (Jeff) Stottlemyre and Aaron Graves; his grandchildren, Samantha Stottlemyre, Ty Stottlemyre and Korrigan Graves; and his great grandson, Jake Stottlemyre. Also, by his sister, Marguerite G. Blankenship, and nieces and nephews. Friends and relatives are invited to a graveside service on Thursday June 23rd, 2022 at 11:00am at the Union Line Cemetery in Soso, MS. Arrangements are being made by Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, MS. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.memorychapellaurel.com

John (Richard) Richerson Graves Jr.

February 5, 1934 - June 11, 2022