John Ray Graves, Jr.

John Ray "Johnny" Graves, Jr., 84, passed away on October 11, 2013. Johnny was extremely musically talented, being able to play several musical instruments. He played in the band "The Candidates" for over 40 years. He loved music of any kind and was always learning new techinques. He also loved to go camping, fishing, boating and spending time with his family and friends. Johnny was a computer whiz, he was always tinkering with electronics and had an electronic repair shop in his home for years. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix or put back together. He was an Air Force veteran being in the first TAC operation of the Korean War. His sense of humor is fondly remembered by all the victims of his practical jokes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; John and Hazel Graves; his first wife of 56 years, Anna Keith Graves and his niece, Terri Keith, who helped care for him after the loss of Anna.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Thelma Roseboom Graves; step-daughters, Billie (Richard) Miller, Carllene (Jim) Crosson, and Pamela Kramer; brother-in-law, Winston (Dean) Keith; numerous step-grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, October 14, from 4pm-7pm at Newcomer Funeral Home Southwest Louisville Chapel (10304 Dixie Highway). Graveside services will be Tuesday, October 15, at 10am at Louisville Memorial Gardens West, 4400 Dixie Highway. The funeral procession will depart from the funeral home at 9:30am to proceed to the cemetery for graveside services.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes expressions of sympathy be made to your local food bank in Johnny's honor.