Larry Mac Graves

Larry Mac Graves, 81, Palmyra, Mo., passed away at 1:37 a.m., Thursday, April 14, 2022, at Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, Mo.

Larry was born Jan. 23, 1941, in Palmyra, to Willis Cornel and Evelyn Eloise Johnson Graves. He was married to Rebecca Nelson on Dec. 24, 1995, at the First Presbyterian Church of Palmyra.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Rebecca Graves, Palmyra; eight children, Christina Mullins (Ken), Tuscon, Ariz.; Steven Lawrence Graves of Tuscon, Ariz., Mark Dana Graves (Christine), Palmyra; Kendal Wilkerson, Denton, Texas; Kelli Bryant (Bart), Mesa, Ariz.; Ethan Widaman (Karen), Benton, La.; Mandy McFarland (Mark), Hannibal; and Jay Epperson (Holly), Troy, Mo.; grandchildren, Serena Graves,  Brandon, Christalyn and Ashlyn Mullins, Tatiana, Amanda, Ayana, Xavier, Juliana and Drake Graves, Olivia Bryant, Bayleigh Widaman, Jude McFarland, Rylynn, Scarlett and Theo Epperson; brothers, Dennis Graves, Biloxi, Miss.; and Phil Graves (Forrest), Port Neches, Texas; sister, Lorri Kachinovas, Macomb, Ill.; brother-in-law, Bill Jones; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Linda Jones; and one grandson, Mark Mullings.

You often hear people saying they lived life to the fullest, but it’s hard to believe anyone could live up to that motto more than Larry. 

He served his country for 20 years in the United States Navy, retiring as a chief gunner’s mate master class, serving alongside Seal Team Six for many years in Virginia. In Vietnam he served on an ammo ship, the USS Mount Katmai.  

His life was a true adventure from the beginning, traveling the world in his career with the navy, as a licensed glider pilot, flying ultra-lights and building, selling and flying powered parachutes. Later, his love of flying brought him into the video gaming realm, where he built many great friendships in his flight simulator, Battlefield 2 and Star Citizen games. 

He was a student of life with a zest for not just learning about a subject, but quite often mastering that subject as well. Larry was a talented artist, painter and avid sailor, living on his sailboat on the Chesapeake Bay for 10 years. 

He had the gift of hospitality, his door was always open and he cherished company, building many lasting and meaningful friendships with people wherever he went. Larry shared his love of music and playing the guitar through lessons and jam sessions. 

His kids and grandkids meant the world to Larry, and he relished spending time with them. Larry had a Jack Russell terrier named Molly whom he loved. Above all, Larry loved Jesus and sharing his faith with others through music.

He was a member of Palmyra Presbyterian Church.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 19, at Palmyra Presbyterian Church. Pastor Dennis Fletcher will officiate. Burial with full military honors, performed by Boots-Dickson American Legion Post #174, will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra.

Pallbearers will be Ethan Widaman, Mark McFarland, Jay Epperson, Wes Tuley, Mark Graves, Brice Alle, and Bryan Graves.

Honorary pallbearers will be Wyatt Tuley, Greg Martin, the Perry Thursday night Jam guys and the Oak Hill School jam guys. 

Friends and family are invited to Larry’s life celebration and visitation that will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, April 18, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel. 

Memorials may be made to Palmyra Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute viewed at www.lewisbrothersfuneralchapel.com.