Stewart Howard “Buddy” Graves, 77, passed on to Heaven and found comfort, peace and freedom of pain on July 4, 2025, Independence Day. He was surrounded by his family and friends that loved him dearly.

Buddy was born in Maine on February 16, 1948. His parents were Richard Foster Graves and Shirley Howard Graves, who are predeceased. When he was 3, his family moved to Burlington, Vt. His dad and the family owned the franchise of three Howard Johnson restaurants in the area of Burlington.

Buddy, his sister and mother moved to Ventura, Calif., when Buddy was 14.

When Buddy was 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After basic training he was sent to Vietnam. There he met some wonderful men that are called the 513th Engineers. He served from September 20, 1967, until April 23, 1970.

After the Army Buddy moved to Richmond, Va., and worked for United Parcel Service for 28 years. In 1971, he married Karen King Graves and they had 53 years and 10 months together.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Karen King, daughter/niece Kristi Fisher and husband Kent Fisher, nephew/son John Paschall, nephew Ken King and wife Kendra, niece Kimberly King Ehaze and husband Tye, nephew Mike Briggs and wife Jeanne, great nephews, Ryan Batson, Scott Batson, Kaden Ehaze, and Buddy’s sister, Marsha.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, at Bethel Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 1 until 1:45 p.m.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.