Gary Jackson Graves was born on May 9, 1960 to Jack and Johnette Graves of the Hebron community in Jones County, MS. He was a lifelong member of Hebron United Methodist Church. Gary went home to be with the Lord on September 20, 2022.

Gary graduated from West Jones High School in 1978, and attended Jones Jr. College upon graduation. He then received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Education from his beloved University of Southern Mississippi.

Gary was an outstanding teacher in the classroom, specializing in Entrepreneurship and Marketing. He received the Leo W. Seal Grant for Innovative Education. He was recognized as a National Board Certified teacher who taught for 28 years at Northeast Jones High school and at Petal High School. He retired from teaching at Petal High School in 2017. He was a positive role model for the many students that he mentored and he was loved by all that he taught. Gary was most recognized for his tireless work with the marching band and color guard. He designed some of the most beautiful color displays for half time shows in the South. Gary was a prestigious and sought after judge for the Winter Guard International organization (WGI). The WGI states that Gary was an expert judge specializing in indoor percussion, color guard and marching band throughout the South and Midwest regions. His name was synonymous with excellence, dedication and a passion for helping others. In 2014, Gary was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Gulf Coast and Louisiana – Mississippi Color Guard and Percussion Circuit.
Gary loved music, the beach, food, cooking, the holidays, his family and many friends, but he especially loved and adored his nephew, Will, and niece, Sara. He thought they hung the Moon.

Gary is survived by his parents, Jack and Johnette, his brother Jerry Wayne Graves, his sister in law Mary Margaret Graves, nephew William Andrew Graves, niece Sara Ashlee Graves, his aunts, uncles and cousins and many friends who loved him dearly. Gary will always be remembered for being fun - loving, his sense of humor, the great food that he loved to cook, his "Garyisms" and being the life of the party. His passing will forever leave a huge hole in our hearts. Rest easy G, until we meet again. We love you.

Visitation will be held Sunday September 25,2022 beginning at 1:PM at Ellisville Funeral Home with the service to follow at 3:00 PM. Interment will be in Hebron Cemetery.
Ellisville Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com