Murlin Carlisle Graves, 95 of Columbus, MS passed away Sunday, April 30, 2017, at Trinity Personal Care, Columbus, MS.

Visitation will Tuesday, May 2, 2017, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM.  A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM in the Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel, Columbus, MS with Bro. Harold Robinson officiating and Bro. Steve Lammons assisting. Interment with military honors will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Columbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing.

Mr. Graves was born June 5, 1921, to the late Clinton H. and Johnnie Cockrell Graves in Ackerman, MS  and moved to Columbus, MS in 1948 from Starkville, MS.  He was a veteran of the United States Army and served during World War II in the 888th Signal Company.  Mr. Graves served as a Staff Sergeant in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre of Operations and received ATO Medal, APTO Medal, Good Condition Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He was a 1948 graduate of Mississippi State University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree.  Mr. Graves worked for Sawan Seed Co. and Graves Seed Lab as a Certified Seed Analyst for 67 years.  He was a charter member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Columbus, MS.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Graves was preceded in death by his brothers – Elvis (Elizabeth) Graves and Dr. Clinton (Nancy) Graves, Jr.

Mr. Graves is survived by his wife of 69 years – Amaryllis Virginia Petty Graves, Columbus, MS; sons – Carl (Melinda) Graves, Brandon, MS, Rodney (Claudia) Graves, Columbus, MS, Richard "Ricky" (Derinda) Graves, Columbus, MS and Joe (Lisa) Graves, Millport, AL; 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Chris Graves, Jason Breland, Dewayne Stewart, Doug Stone, Marc Graves, Mark Crigler, Joe Thomas Graves, Jr.  Honorary pallbearers will be Staff of Trinity Personal Care, Hospice and Caregivers Annette Jones and Family.

Memorials may be made to Palmer Home for Children, P.O. Box 746, Columbus, MS  39703.