He was born on August 14, 1954 in Oneonta, a son of Lawrence M. and Beverly J. (Wilson) Graves. On August 5, 1989, Terry married Lori A. Isbell in West Oneonta.
As a child, Terry’s family owned a camp on Crumhorn Mountain, with some of his fondest memories being of times they spent there. The camp had passed through the family for generations of Graves, which Terry always said the area was “in the Graves’ blood.” He loved the scenery and openness so much that later in life, he and his brothers built their homes on the mountain. He even embraced the life of staying on the mountain, often referring to himself as a “mountain man.”
After graduating from high school, Terry went on to work for over 30 years with the D&H Railroad as a Car-man, joining his brother Gary, who was a Train-man for the railroad. He really enjoyed the work he did there.
Following his retirement from the D&H and having already developed a passion for “picking”, Terry began devoting more time to attending auctions and going to lawn sales, always in search of the “perfect find”. To him it was all about the thrill of the hunt, to find that special item you never knew when or where would pop up. His brother, Gary, also shared Terry’s enthusiasm for finding those unique items and joined him on many picking trips.
When not working or on one of his trips, one of his favorite hobbies was motorcycles. He was a Harley man through and through and enjoyed working on them as much as he did riding them. He also enjoyed Trials Riding, joining a local chapter that traveled around the state to compete with other chapters.
Terry’s greatest love was his family. He was a very devoted family man and cherished times spent with his wife and children. He loved to play DJ for his family and would play “name that tune” with them all the time, selecting from his massive vinyl record collection of classic rock from the 70’s. As his children were growing up, he shared with them his love of motorcycles and ATVs, starting each one out riding on the 4 wheeler, except for his daughter, Breanna, who he went out and brought home a dirt bike for her to learn on.
Terry is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Lori Graves; his children, Shannon Isbell, Breanna Graves, and Corey Graves, and his beloved “grandpuppy”, Miloh, whom he took with him everywhere he went.
He is also survived by his brothers, Larry Graves, and Gary Graves and his wife, Linda “Micki”; and several nieces and nephews.
Terry was predeceased by his father, Lawrence M. Graves.
A graveside service will be held at 11am on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the Maryland Cemetery, State Hwy 7, Maryland, NY, with the Rev. Mel Farmer, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Terry’s family requests that you kindly consider making a donation in his memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or to the Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Hwy 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5