Jerome Raymond Graves was born on July 1, 1955, in Petersburg, Virginia, to Raymond and Naomi Graves.
He departed this life on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, with his family by his side. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ in his life at an early age. In 1973, he graduated from Central High School in Sussex County, Virginia now known as Sussex Central High School. He attended Virginia State University before he decided to join the Air Force. Jerome was dedicated to serving his country in the Air Force as SSgt Element Leader Instructor C-130E, 61st Airlift Squadron, 31st Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. It was during his time in Arkansas, he met and married Dennyse Hendrix. They were married for 28 years and continued to have a good friendship until his passing. They had one child, Krisharna. Jerome was a proud father and grandfather.
He was an avid jazz collector and classic movie buff. He loved customizing antique and new vehicles.
Jerome spent his largest deployment in Europe. He had various missions to Turkey and Africa to support humanitarian efforts and received several awards for his missions. He retired from the military in 1994. He continued to work for companies such as Lockheed Martin Middle East Services, Dassault Falcon Jet (AR), High Winds Aviation (CO) Raytheon (TX), Decrane Aircraft (DE) Bombardier Aerospace (FL, AZ, CA), and Midcoast Aviation (MO).
He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Naomi Graves, and his sister Dorothy E. Brown.
He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Krisharna (Matthew) Graves-Blackman, three grandchildren: Kosbie Graves, Xavier Graves, and Madyson Blackman of Jacksonville, Arkansas, and Dennyse Simpson, a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 9:00am with a funeral service starting at 10:00am in the chapel at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Interment to follow at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
5 Comments
Sincere condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “ Jesus plainly told her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25.
Thanks for the time we went out and getting together and talking about the good times in Europe. you’re be missed rest in peace
My prayers and sincerest condolences for your family
RIP Jerome; Man you will be truly missed because to me you were one in a million known to be a good respectful fellow.. God has you know as he has always. no more pain or sorrow.
My Dear Jerome,
You were the brother that my sisters and I didn’t have. It was a joy growing up having a cousin who was so much like a brother. We will love you forever.
I am impressed with the life you lived and the lives you touched. I pray comfort to your closest of family and friends at this time. The beauty of you leaving us (surely we will miss your physical presence) is that We Will Meet Again and someday be together forever. That’s God’s promise to all who believe in Him. Long ago, your parents and my parents taught us that supreme belief. ‘Til we meet again… Love and Peace, my brother.
Andrea
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