Irving “Joe” Graves
Irving “Joe” Graves, of Charleston, WV, born July 26, 1925, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 24, 2026. He had celebrated his 100th birthday over the summer.
Joe served in the U.S. Army, 5250th Technical Intelligence Co. in World War II, with battles and campaigns in New Guinea and Luzon. For his service, he was awarded the Asian-Pacific Theater Ribbon and two Bronze Stars.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, George and Isabel Graves; sister, Pat; sons, Steve and Ronnie; daughter, Cheryl; and grandson, Christopher.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Juanita Douglas Graves; son, John Graves; as well as additional grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.
Joe loved outdoor water sports: swimming, water skiing, boating, and fishing. He also loved vacationing at Myrtle Beach and Florida beaches. Joe had a lifelong love of music, and was always singing along with Frank Sinatra or Glen Miller. He was light-hearted, always joking with a smile and a twinkle in his blue eyes.
Joe worked for many years in car dealerships at various positions. He attended the Bible Center Church.
A private service with military honors was held at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, WV, with Rev. Greg Hudson officiating.
Memories of Joe may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Uncle Joe….I have so many special memories with you. Uncle Joe introduced me to the beach. We always had so much fun. I’ll never see a beach, ecspecially Myrtle without thinking of you. So many restaurants, shows, laughs, piers, …..I could go on and on! I hear songs and think of you! I’ll never forget ….”here we are.” You lived a very full life and I know you enjoyed it to the fullest! Living to 100 years old is awesome!! I’m so thankful we got to go back to your favorite place, Myrtle Beach, the last couple years….how crazy you were on the beach at 98 and 99 years old. Thanks for all the memories songs and laughs throughout the years. You are already missed like crazy! Hope you know how much you were loved! Me and mom loved when you came to Ohio to visit with Aunt Deet. You enjoyed eating our food so much and we loved seeing you eat! There will never be another you….you were definitely one of a kind! Now….you and dad can talk visit and eat till your hearts content! We will make sure Aunt Deet is ok! Until I see you again…..love you lots!
Mindy
Joe was a very special brother in law to me. Always kind and friendly and concerned always how we were doing. He always had a smile and a friendly hello whenever you saw him. He always opened his home and always glad to make you feel welcome. We always enjoyed our visits and get together. You will always be missed and loved by us all. I love you.
It was very sad to lose our brother-in-law, Joe, on January 24, 2026. Joe was blessed to live a long and prosperous life. He was also blessed to have a loving wife, Juanita, who took wonderful care of him particularly in his later years. Joe’s positive and carefree attitude no doubt helped him to see his 100th birthday on July 26, 2025. We are sure Joe is planning his next trip to Myrtle Beach!
Uncle Joe. You are already missed so bad. I have so many memories as a kid and as an adult with you. I loved shooting guns with you every other Sunday at grandmas as a kid growing up. We would always laugh how crazy you were with a gun. Nothing like shooting a 12 gauge shotgun from the hip like an old cowboy. lol. I cannot believe you have left us. Your spirit, smile and memories will not ever leave us. You were always one of my favorite uncles for sure. Love you uncle Joe and Aunt Deet.