Edgar Lee Graves

Edgar Lee Graves, 70, of Lynchburg, Virginia, died peacefully at home after a brief illness on Thursday, April 3, 2025. He was the son of the late Luther Edgar Graves and Avie Lee Hill Graves.

Eddie was born on August 6, 1954, in Ripley, Mississippi. He was a missionary in Concepcion, Chile with the International Mission Board, SBC for 20 years. He pastored churches in Mississippi, Tennessee, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia. Eddie was an avid sports fan, who enjoyed participating, spectating, and talking about sports.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Lewis Graves; children, Adam Graves, Lucy Buckley and Rachel Graves; their spouses, Allison Graves, Jonathan Buckley and Andrew Geraghty respectively; grandchildren, Morgan Graves, Madison Graves, Michael Graves, Tilly Buckley, Lewis Buckley, and Oliver Geraghty; sister, Marilyn Graves Dedeaux, and husband Ed; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites you to honor Eddie’s memory by contributing to the Graves-Lewis Endowed Scholarship, supporting ministerial and nursing students at Mississippi College. Donations by check may be made payable to Mississippi College. Please include "In memory of Eddie Graves" in the memo line and mail your gift to: Mississippi College Box 4005 Clinton, MS 39058. Alternatively, you may donate online by visiting mc.edu/give, selecting “Mississippi College” under giving program, “Other” under gift details, designating the Graves-Lewis Endowed Scholarship, and adding “In Memory of Edgar Graves.”

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 am at Calvary Baptist Church, 20957 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24502 with Pastor Dr. Louis Beckwith officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.