Gary David Graves, age 74, of Mountain View, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 5th, 2022. Gary was born December 9th, 1947 to Frank and Gurstal Graves in Glendale, Arizona.
He is preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Frank Jr.
Gary leaves behind Linda, his wife of fifty-six years; two sons, Gary Jr. (Lisa) of Pangburn, Arkansas and Steven Paul of Mountain View, Arkansas; one sister, Brenda Johnson of Beebe, Arkansas; three grandsons, Joshua (Danielle) of Austin, Arkansas, Steven Austin (Megan) of Mountain View, Arkansas, and Jimmy (who serves in the USAF) of Cabot, Arkansas; two great-granddaughters, Emma Lynn of Austin, Arkansas and Mattie of Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, Gary leaves behind one great-grandson yet to make his entrance.
Gary had many loves in his lifetime, but none compared to his love and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. He began his ministry early and never gave up working for the Lord. He pastored churches in Arizona, California, Utah, and Arkansas. He loved people and was loved by so many. His love for music led him to start a podcast called “The Gospel Porch”. He had the great joy of sitting behind the golden microphone, broadcasting bluegrass gospel music and always speaking encouraging words about Jesus, from his heart all around the world (YouTube: The Gospel Porch).
Since moving to Mountain View, Gary and Linda have been employed by the Mountain View School District, as janitors. Gary cared for the kindergarten building and experienced so much joy from the children. All of the MVSD became not only co-workers but true friends.
Gary also liked mowing the grass and caring for his home place. He was continually building something. Gary’s life was all about loving Jesus, loving his family, and enjoying life. He enjoyed going to church and worshipping Jesus. He attended the Sanctuary UPC of Mountain View with Pastor Paul Mize.
A visitation will be Thursday, August 11th, 2022 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Mountain View Funeral Service Chapel. Funeral services will be Friday, August 12th, 2022 at the Sanctuary UPC Church, in Mountain View, Arkansas, beginning at 2:00 P.M. Brother Paul Mize, Brother Ryan Tinkle, and Brother Jason Scheel will officiate the service. Interment will take place at the East Richwoods/Case Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Gary Graves Jr., Steven P. Graves, Steven A. Graves, Joshua Graves, Jimmy Graves, and Ryan Tinkle.
Honorary Pallbearers are the Men of the Sanctuary Church.
