William Stanley Graves

William Stanley Graves, 86, passed away on January 19, 2016 in Gilbert, Arizona. He was born in the Shepard area of east Columbus on August 24, 1929 to Nellie and William A. Graves. He retired at age 66 from National City Bank after over 50 years of service. He was a proud member of West Gate Lodge #623, F&AM, the 32nd Degree Masons, Valley of Columbus, A.A.S.R. and the Aladdin Shriners. He and his wife Barbara, who preceded him in death after 61 years of marriage, were both avid Ohio State Buckeye fans, belonging to the Buckeye Sideliners, Buckeye Boosters, Rebounders Club and the Ohio State Alumni Association. He and Barbara attended many Ohio State athletic events, including every home, away and bowl football game for over 20 years in a row. He was physically active throughout his life and participated in softball, handball, miniature golf, and the bank bowling and golf leagues. He lifted weights for many years and could bench over 300 pounds at age 70. He began reading voraciously at age 70, especially westerns and light mysteries. He and Barbara traveled throughout the United States and overseas after retirement. He is survived by his brother, David (Louise); sister, Barbara Wilhite; and children, Deborah (James) Hunt of Worthington, William S. Graves, Arizona, and Carol (Mark) Cox of Ostrander, Ohio. His greatest ambition as a teenager was to be a wonderful grandfather, a goal he accomplished with grandchildren, Jennifer (Tom) Issler, Nicholas Moone, Billy (Jessica) Graves, Meghan (Micah) Akerson, Rebecca (Gerritt) Weller, Tommy McCoy and Randi Graves; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Gavin, Jacob and Finn. He has lots of nephews, nieces and many, many friends, including the Hartmans of West Virginia. A Funeral Service will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 29, 2016 at the Worthington United Methodist, 600 High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. The family will welcome friends at the Church on Thursday, January 28 from 4-8 p.m., and again Friday, one hour prior to the service. West Gate Masonic Lodge will conduct a Masonic Funeral Service at 8 p.m. on Thursday. The family asks that attendees at the visitation be prepared to share their favorite memory of Stan. Paper and pens will be available. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to either Buckeye Sideliners or the Buckeye Boosters. Arrangements are under the direction of RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com. -

William Stanley Graves

August 24, 1929 - January 19, 2016