William D. Graves' Obituary
William D. Graves, age 86, of Lewes, DE passed away July 18, 2026, after a difficult illness at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. He was born June 20, 1940, son of the late Mahlon H. Graves, Sr. and Frances B. Graves. He was a graduate of Lewes High School and had attended the University of Delaware, Wesley College in Dover and the University of Maryland. Fishing and hunting for ducks and geese were of great enjoyment to him, as well as the enjoyment of dining on them at dinner.
He was a prominent businessman in the Lewes area and was the proprietor of Graves Mens Store and Graves Uniforms. His professional endeavors permitted him to lend his expertise by serving on the National Uniform Dealers Association, where he was the Secretary for several years, as well as serving on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Dealers. Locally he was a member of Groome Church, Lewes, DE.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years Ellen Wagamon Graves; brothers Mahlon H. Graves, Jr. (Ellen Fritz) and Dean M. Graves (Margie) and his sister Ann Barr Stubbs as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Georgetown and the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford for the excellent care given by each during Bill’s final days.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday July 24, 2026, at 2 PM at the Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. Burial will follow the services at the Bethel Methodist Cemetery in Lewes.
Memorial contributions are suggested to your favorite charity of choice.
Please sign the tribute wall located on this site.
Florist Note- Please deliver any floral tributes to the Lewes Funeral Home by 4 PM on Thursday July 23, 2026.
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