Earl Julius Sr Graves

Earl Julius Graves, Sr. passed away on the 20th of May, after a courageous fight against a long illness. He was 87 years old.

Earl was born June 1, 1929 in Utica, NY to Tutts Johnson and William Graves.

Earl enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and took to it like, well, like a fish to water and stayed. After he retired he spent much of those years in the Otter Lake/Boonville, NY area and most recently in Salisbury, NC. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Elks and his local Honky Tonk Bar Association.

Earl was known, far and wide, by the nickname 'Earl the Pearl'. While the origins of this moniker are often debated, there is no doubt amongst those who knew him that it fit him well. Because, despite having a tough exterior, there was great treasure to be found inside.

Earl was a great and loyal friend. He would often quietly champion for those who needed help. Not for recognition, but because he felt it was the right thing to do. The list of people who he's helped is long.

Earl was also a master of stories. Whether you needed advice about a problem, needed comfort on a bad day, or just wanted to be entertained, Earl always had a fitting tale at the ready. Those who knew him well would often joke that you'd never hear the same story twice.

Earl's greatest source of pride came from his family. He could often be heard regaling friends and strangers alike with an anecdote about one of his kids or grandchildren. It never mattered how far away they were physically. To Earl, they were never far away, because he carried them with him every day.

Earl leaves behind his loving family: His brother Arthur Johnson of Remsen, NY and his children Earl (Neta) Graves Jr of Old Harbor, AK; Edward (Dianne) Graves of Remsen, NY; Susan (Rich) Malta of Concord, NC; Tammy Buffone of Anchorage, AK; Walda Bronson of Utica, NY; Ernest Graves of Mobile, Alabama; 16 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Private services were held at the convience of the family and he will be interred at Salisbury National Cemetery. Condolences may be made to www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com. For those who were of like mind as Earl, you may mail condolences to: The Family of Earl J. Graves Sr, c/o Sue Malta, 10144 Falling Leaf Dr NW, Concord, NC 28027.

Sue would like to give special thanks to Tammy for coming down to assist in some very difficult desicions, to Mike and Judy who were my back-up when I had to travel, to family who have traveled in over the last couple of months and those unable to do so but wanted to. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Five Oaks Manor, Concord, NC for your care and compassion.

While we will all miss him, we know he's looking down on us. Most likely at a table with a deck of cards at the ready telling the angels a story or two while he's dealing out the next hand.

We love you and miss you, Dad/Grandpa. And in typical fashion we end this with his name was Earl Julius Graves Sr, and he doesn’t care who knows it.