Mr. Rex Lee Graves

Funeral services for Mr. Rex Graves, 89, of Carthage, Texas will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024 in the Hawthorn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ryan Youngblood officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Bethel Cemetery under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6-8:00 p.m. Friday night at Hawthorns. Mr. Rex Lee Graves was born August 25, 1935 and he was raised in the Buncomb Community, with roots going back 7 generations in Panola County. He went to be with the Lord October 3, 2024. He was the son of Deward Lee “Duck” Graves and Nello Ritter Graves. He graduated from Carthage High School with the class of 1954. A Navy Career took him all over the world, but he knew someone back home always prayed for him. Mr. Graves was a Vietnam Veteran. He met and soon married Beverly Hugues, and they celebrated more than 50 anniversaries. Together they have two children, Kay and Deward. After his 21 years in the Navy, Mr. Graves moved his family back to the East Texas Piney Woods that he loved so much, and began a second career at Panola General Hospital, later ETMC, and “Mr. Fix-it” for the surrounding area. He served on the water board for many years. Mr. Graves was an active member of Hopewell Baptist Church. A Student and avid reader of the Bible, he loved to talk about his Lord. More than anything, Mr. Graves will be remembered for his constant loving care of his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Beverly Graves, one brother, Johnny Graves, and one sister, Jean Clark. He is survived by his son, Deward Graves of Carthage; one daughter, Kay Hawthorne and husband Jerry; brother, Lynn Graves and wife Darline; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many other family members and friends. Serving as pallbearers will be, James Lee Graves, Rance Hawthorne, Johnny Estrada III, Ferrell Fuller, Kyle Eugene Neal, Dennis Wheatley, honorary pallbearers will be, Ronnie Griffith and Lynn Graves. Mr. Graves was a long-time cancer survivor and donations to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital may be given in lieu of flowers. A guest register can be signed at: www.hawthornfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Mr. Rex Lee Graves

August 25, 1935 - October 3, 2024