JACKSONVILLE
Marion Thomas "Fat" Graves, 87, of Jacksonville, died Friday, June 7, 2002, at Modern Care Convalescent Facility in Jacksonville.

He was born Aug. 15, 1914, in Jacksonville, the son of Jessie Graves and Nancy Drake Graves Harper. He married Rosie Daniels Watkins July 12, 1955, in Gulfport, Miss., and she preceded him in death Feb. 3, 1992.

He is survived by one step-daughter, Frances (husband, Bob) Tendock; one stepson, Paul (wife, Jenne) Watkins both of Jacksonville; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene and Roy R. Graves.

Mr. Graves was an avid traveler. In their retirement years, he and his wife, Rosie, enjoyed spending the winters in Mission, Texas, for the 15 years prior to her death. He was a member of United Commercial Travelers, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Moose Lodge, Amvets and the American Legion. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater as a Machinists Mate Second Class from Aug. 24, 1942, to Sept. 25, 1945. He was an operator at the Jacksonville Sewer Disposal Plant for 16 years, retiring in 1977.

Following cremation, private committal services will be held at Jacksonville East Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice. The Cody & Son Memorial Home is in charge of the arrangements.