William "Bill" Marshall Graves

William (Bill) Marshall Graves, age 84, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away peacefully at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend. His kindness, humor, and mischievous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bill was born on July 29, 1942, in Knoxville, Tennessee to Walter and Marie Graves. He grew up in the Lincoln Park area and spent a lot of his childhood exploring Sharps Ridge with his neighborhood friends. He attended Fulton High School before joining the Air Force. He spent four years serving his country. He began his career as a sheet metal worker after returning from the service. He worked his way up from an apprentice to a superintendent. He enjoyed overseeing many building projects over the years.

Bill loved the LORD and he loved other people. He loved steak and ice cream but hated chicken and fish! He was full of mischief. It was a constant trait that got him in trouble in school but also endeared him to people. Bill loved to cut up and tease people and was especially happy when they teased him back. He also loved building things and loved spending time in his backyard workshop. He loved to create, build, and share his work with others. He enjoyed listening to gospel music and was an active member of Atkins Baptist Church.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Marie Graves; sister, Elaine Sexton; his first wife, Jean (Mason) Graves; and his second wife, Judy (Clark) Graves. He leaves behind his wife, Sharon; daughters, Kim Rhode, Stacy Lewis (Brian); granddaughters, Kelsey Coover (Nick), Karly Osborn (Thomas); and his great granddaughter, Ellie Grace Coover. He also leaves behind his nieces, Angie Cianciola (Steve), and Lisa Coward (Pat); and nephews Steve Sexton (Tonya}, Randy Sexton (Kim), and Rick Sexton (Ginger); and his extended families, the Coppingers, Clarks, and Masons.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bae, Bill's nephrologist who became his friend, the nurses, techs, and staff at the Knoxville Home Dialysis Clinic on Ailor Avenue who became family, and the nurses, techs, and staff at Fort Sanders who helped care for him in his final weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Atkins Baptist Church or to The National Kidney Foundation.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel, with service to follow with Reverend A.C. Cooper officiating. A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Lynnhurst Cemetery with Reverend A.C. Cooper and Pastor Brock Tharpe officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are Steve Sexton, Randy Sexton, Rick Sexton, Steve Cianciola, Pat Coward, Jim Burkhardt, Gene Lawson, and David Knight.