Edwin Earl Graves Sr.

Edwin Earl Graves, Sr. age 86, passed away on August 3rd, 2026. He was born on December 23, 1939, in Prentiss, Mississippi to Walter Leslie Graves and Eula Byrne Graves. Edwin was affectionately nicknamed "Shot" by his father and has been known as Shot for most of his life.

Edwin proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Oriskany (CV-34) aircraft carrier. Following his military service, Edwin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Louisiana State University. He worked for Western Electric, Westinghouse, and as General Manager and CEO of REA Electric Co-Ops in Louisiana and South Carolina. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Knights Templar. Edwin was blessed with a God-given musical talent and singing voice. He enjoyed playing guitar and sang with his band, The Pallbearers, and faithfully served as director of music in several Baptist churches.

On November 24th, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Lawrence. They met at Baton Rouge High School, sharing homeroom and math classes. They both loved playing music and performing. Their common faith, religious beliefs, and family backgrounds created a strong and unbreakable bond. Together they shared 67 years of marriage and raised five children: Edwin Graves Jr., Barry Graves, Leslie Graves, Don Graves, and Susan Graves.  He was also blessed with 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Graves; his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Leslie Graves and Eula Byrne Graves, and his siblings: Johnie Morgan, Elsie Arnold, Charles Graves, and Robert Graves.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Friday, August 7th, 2026 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM followed by a religious service at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 10453 Amold Road, Denham Springs, LA. 

Burial will be held at 2:45 PM at Hollywood Cemetery in McComb, MS.