Paul Homer Graves, also known as Mr. Basketball, Groovy, Uncle Paul, Paul to his grandkids, Coach Graves, and Dad, passed away at Forrest General Hospital on July 1st. He was an original Tylertown High School Blue Devil whose career as coach and educator spanned more than three decades. During this time, he sweltered on the hot and sandy practice fields of Fort Walton, battled on the floor of the Superdome with the Franklinton Demons, yelled at referees in the tinderbox gym at Dexter, and watchfully walked the halls of South Pike High School.

He methodically and mostly mulligan-free shot for even par at Tylertown Country Club. Duct tape was his superpower, and with wrists wrapped, he fought the ongoing battle of cutting grass and making repairs around the house. He never turned down anyone who needed help, and although his carpentry fixes usually weren’t the most aesthetically pleasing, they were always sturdy.

At times he would say: “Hey, it is what it is,” but he never took that attitude towards family, students, or any other people (or animals) fortunate enough to cross his path. He was devoted to his family and expressed this through Saturday morning golf rounds and an ever-present listening ear. He was the favorite son-in-law of Freddy and Nelson Wood, he loved his wife, and he was her tireless caregiver.

One could say his life was the epitome of Matthew Chapter 25, versus 34-40: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Many have heard the story of the kid walking on the beach throwing marooned sand dollars back into the water. A man comes along and advises the kid that he is not making any difference because so many are stranded, that his efforts do not matter. The kid, undaunted, tosses a sand dollar into the water and replies: “It matters to that one.” Whether as Uncle Paul, Paul to the grandkids, Coach Graves, or Dad, many cherished his advice. He would say “Everything you’ve had, I’ve had in multiples.” Normally, the “multiples” would be the problems he had faced, either as a coach or a school administrator. Now, reflecting on his life, the “multiples” seem to more accurately represent the number of lives he touched, each one like a sand dollar being thrown back into the water.

Survivors include his wife of 61 year Virginia Hayle Wood Graves; children, Shannon Fortenberry (Keith) and Christian Graves (Braseye); grandchildren, Taylor Fortinberry, Leslie Brewer, and Virginia James; great grandchildren, Jack Brewer, Henry Brewer, Lucy Brewer, Sissy James, Scarlett James, and Blakely Fortinberry; siblings, Faye Packwood and Benny Graves; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and loving family.

Mr. Graves is preceded in death by his father, Harlon Peter Graves; mother, Nellie Gray Graves; siblings; Peggy Conerly, Harlon “Bill” Graves, Jr., and John Graves.

Vitiation will be held at New Zion Baptist Church, 2 New Zion Rd. Tylertown, MS 39667, from 9:00 AM until funeral service at 11:00 AM. Buriel will follow in the Wood Cemetery. Reverend Mack McElveen will officiate. Hartman Hughes Capps Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Greg Bilbo, Shea Johnson, Kyle Ferguson, Eric Ferguson, Taylor Fortinberry, and Chris Packwood

Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Fortinberry, Clint Husser,