Virgil B. Graves

Virgil B. Graves, a longtime resident of Southwest Florida, passed away December 1, 2022, at 84 years of age.  

Virgil was raised on farms in rural Kansas by his parents Isaak and Elsie Graves. He attended primary school in a one room schoolhouse where he encountered the magic of classical music during first grade when his teacher played a recording of “Peter and The Wolf” for his class. He recounted in later years how that experience had ignited his love for classical music.  As a high school student, Virg participated in many sports such as basketball and football.  Before his school day began, he spent the early mornings milking the cows at home -- developing strong wrists that may have helped his later competitive tennis playing.  He graduated from high school in a class of nine.

Following high school, Virg attended colleges in Kansas.  He recalled being amazed to find that he could spend hours in the library with nothing more than a pencil, paper and Math book.  He graduated with a Mathematics degree from Kansas State and went on to program computers from 1965 until last year.  Along the way, he spent 30 years in Minnesota raising a son and daughter and sailing on many of its lakes, large and small, including Lake Superior. He had many interesting friends, including an old Minnesota Swede who shared life lessons and encouraged Virg to explore his artistic ability through wood carving.  Virg played league tennis all his adult life, and in 1992 he captained a USTA League team that went to the nationals. Eventually he moved with his job to South Carolina, and he finally settled in Florida to enjoy year-round outdoor tennis, beach walks, morning coffee on the lanai, and fresh fish dinners with friends.  

Virgil is survived by his two loving children, Jeff Graves (Amy) of St. Louis Park, MN and Cynthia Graves of Arden Hills, MN; sister, MarySue Voth of IL; brothers, Chester Graves (Patricia) of CA and Eugene Graves (Barbara) of OK; sister-in-law, Linda Graves of KS; two grandchildren, Morgan and Will Graves, as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Elsie and Isaak Graves, and his younger brother, Melvin Graves.

A private family service will be held in Minnesota later.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.