Aden Leroy Graves III (58, Madison, Mississippi), known to friends and family as "Lee", left this earth on May 11, 2023, at 6:24 pm. Lee was a devoted Christian, and his love for his family was evident in everything he did. But Lee's interests went beyond his family, as he was also an avid golfer, Disney enthusiast, and Christmas lover who was determined to make sure his passions were shared among his family members.
Lee loved nothing more than hitting the links with his son, brother, and nephews or spending time with his fellow club members Chuck, Bobby, and Jarrett. Though he never got a hole-in-one, that didn't stop him from practicing weekly and improving his game. He cherished the friendships he made on the course and enjoyed every moment he spent playing.
Disney was another passion of Lee's, and he and his wife Nickey honeymooned on a Disney cruise. They introduced their niece and nephew to Disneyworld as children and made sure their son, Riley, also shared their love for the happiest place on earth. Lee and Nickey found joy in incorporating the magic of Disney into their everyday lives, and their family gatherings were always full of laughter, love, and memories.
But Christmas was truly Lee's favorite time of the year. He won a stuffed Santa from a hardware store at six years old, and the magic of the season never left him. As an adult, he worked for the Post Office for 25 years, delivering presents and gifts with a smile, in spirit with the season regardless of the time of year. This was even more evident to Lee's family, who knew him as "Mr. Christmas" himself, and he took a week off of work every year to decorate his house. Lee's Christmas Eve gatherings were legendary, and his love for his family was always evident in the time and care he put into each detail.
Lee lived his life by his favorite verses from the Bible, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." Lee was a fighter, finishing his life with grace and faith.
Lee was preceded in death by his grandparents, Aden Leroy Graves, Sr. and Mildred Graves, John William Newell and Wilma Quay Newell (Barlow), father, Aden "Sonny" Leroy Graves Jr., nephews, Christopher Simmons and Corey Simmons. He is survived by his mom, Cheryl Graves (Newell), his wife, Nickey Graves (Riley), his son, Riley Graves, his many siblings: Jonathan (Cherye) Graves, Adena (William) Canton, Charla Smith, Jamei Richey, Jolynn (Calvin) Sharp, J.T. (Robin) Richey, and honorary brother, Ron (Debbie) Windom. He is survived also by a host of nieces and nephews: Christina Windom, Matthew Windom, Lana Austin, Olivia Austin, Randy Austin, Piper Austin, Alan Graves, Aaron Graves, Andrew Graves, Jack Richey, Will Richey, Barry Smith, Walt Ladner, Brady Cheramie, Grace Ladner, Anna Sharp, and James Sharp. Mother: Anne Smith (Charles).
Lee will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him, or even luckier, call him family. He was a kind and loving man who touched the lives of everyone he met. Lee's legacy will be cherished through his family, who he loved more than anything in the world. We love you, Lee-Boy, we know you are now in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and look forward to seeing you again.
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