Richard "Rick" Graves

Richard Allen “Rick” Graves, 71, of Columbus, Mississippi, passed peacefully from this life on August 18, 2026, surrounded by his family at the home he loved. Born January 13, 1955, in Columbus, Rick spent his life in the community he called home.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 1:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Fairview Baptist Church, Columbus, MS. Funeral Service will be Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. at Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus, MS with Bro. Tommy Gillon officiating.

Known by many years- Rick, Ricky, Daddy, Pawpaw, and Pops- each one represented a life and relationship that he treasured.

Rick shared 43 years of marriage with his wife, Derinda Graves. The love, respect, and adoration they had for one another was evident to everyone who knew them. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, friendship, and a home that was always open to others. Rick loved the Lord and accepted Christ as his Savior at just 12 years old. His faith wasn’t simply something he spoke about; it was evident in the way he lived and the way he treated people. He faithfully followed Christ throughout his life and leaves behind an example of what it means to love and serve others well. Rick faithfully attended Fairview Baptist Church and was part of Bob Crigler’s Sunday School Class.

Rick retired after 32 years of service with the Columbus Fire Department. He also spent more than 40 years working alongside his father, M.C., as co-owner of Graves Seed Laboratory, LLC. Through his work and the many different parts of his life, he became someone others trusted, respected, and looked up to. He was a loyal friend and mentor to countless people, always willing to share what he knew, lend a hand, encourage someone, or simply be there when he was needed. The outdoors was one of Rick’s favorite places to be. He loved hunting deer, ducks, and turkey and especially enjoyed training his three Labrador Retrievers and spending time with the Hunting Retriever Club. Some of his greatest memories and friendships were formed outdoors, alongside people who shared those passions. To his Hunting Retriever Club family, he was affectionately known as “Pops”. At home, Rick kept an incredible garden and enjoyed putting up the food it produced alongside Derinda. Their home was a gathering place. Rick loved having family and friends there, sharing food, stories, laughter, and time together. Hospitality wasn’t something he had to work at- it was simply part of who he was.

Above everything else, Rick loved his family. He loved and supported his children in everything they did and was always there with encouragement, wisdom, and steady love. And then came the grandchildren who knew him as “Pawpaw”. He delighted in them and rarely missed an opportunity to show up for the things that mattered to them. Whether it was band, soccer, softball, baseball, or simply being together, Pawpaw was there. His grandchildren never had to wonder whether he was proud of them or whether they were loved. Rick also shared a special bond with his brothers and dearly loved his cousin, Benny. They carried a lifetime of stories and memories together that his family will treasure.

Rick is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Derinda Graves; his children Marc Graves (Deanna), Sarah (Mark) Crigler, and Kathy (Palmer) Cash; his grandchildren; Cade Graves, Judah Crigler, Piper Crigler, and Kirby Crigler.; and his brothers, Carl (Melinda) Graves, Rodney (Claudia) Graves, and Joe (Lisa) Graves, along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were made better by knowing him.