Sam Graves, III, 81
December 14, 1944 – September 28, 2026
Okolona- Sam Ervin “Sammy” Graves III was born December 14, 1944, and passed away on September 28, 2026. The son of the late Sam Ervin Graves and Frances Nabors Harris, Sammy was a 1963 graduate of Okolona High School and received a football scholarship to the University of Mississippi. He was a member of the M Club at Ole Miss, lettering in football for two years. Sammy’s career began as a coach and teacher at Okolona (MS) High School and continued at Chickasaw Academy. Fitting his personality, he spent the majority of his career as a salesman. He was elected to a term on the Okolona City Council and served as past Board President of the Okolona Municipal Separate School District.
Sammy never met a stranger and had a wonderful sense of humor that stayed with him throughout his life. He had a way of making those around him feel welcome and was always ready with a story or a laugh. He was passionate about all things Ole Miss. An avid golfer, Sammy was always in search of something that might improve his game. He once joked that he had bought so many different golf clubs, each claiming to take strokes off his score, his score ought to be minus-3.
Sammy was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie Lynn Graves; his parents, Sam Ervin Graves and Frances Nabors Harris; and his sister, Sandra Graves McAslan.
He is survived by his three sons, Sam Graves (Nicole) of Tupelo, Will Graves (Amber) of Mooreville and Todd Graves (Leigh Ann) of Houlka and their mother, Vicky Linder of Tupelo; his sisters, Judy Grone of Venice, Florida, Genia Graves of Okolona, Angela Savely of Batesville and Janet Rock of Hernando.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Harrison Graves, Mary Hayden Graves, Macie Graves, Addison Graves, Anna Katherine Graves, Paige Fowler, Payne Graves, and Paxton Graves and his great-grandchildren, Ila Eloise Fowler and Iken James Fowler.
Sammy’s life was privately celebrated by his family on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo. Condolences can be made to Sam’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/obituaries. Holland Funeral Director’s were honored to be serving the family.
Sammy’s family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff and caregivers at Charleston Place, Fulton, MS and Gentiva Hospice for their great care.
Memorials may be made to Charleston Place, PO Box 337, Fulton, MS 38843.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
