Vidalia — Funeral Services for Bill Graves, 83, of Vidalia, who died Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, at Young’s Funeral Home of Vidalia with the Rev. Lester Johnson officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park cemetery in Natchez under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Vidalia.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Mr. Bill was born on July 6, 1927, in Franklin County, the son of Eunice and Ed Graves. He went to be with his Heavenly Father after a lengthy illness with cancer. His devoted wife was by his side.

Mr. Bill was a butcher for 40 years at Nosser City in Natchez and worked for the last 20 years with Home Hardware Center in Vidalia.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

Mr. Bill will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind and fun loving man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him as a man of character, honor and respect.

He loved his family unconditionally and his greatest passion was going to work at Home Hardware each day where he greeted the customers and brought such joy and laughter to all whom he came in contact with.

Mr. Bill will be remembered by many as a hardworking man and friend that you could always count on. He was known as everyone’s “Pappa.”

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Clyde Graves; and one sister, Marguerite Smith.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Hilda Graves; two daughters, Debbie Brocato and husband John and Diane Johnson and husband Paul ; one son, Mike Graves and three grandchildren, Jason Brocato of New York, Matt Foster of Vidalia and Abbie Graves of Roxie.

Pallbearers will be John Brocato, Matt Foster, Scott Crain, Vick Dallalio, Tony Buckles and Kenneth “Tiger” Turner.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jim and Dolly Smith and employees of Home Hardware Center, Mayor Hiram Copeland and Jerry David.

A special thanks to Dr. Tan and the employees at the VA Medical Center Pallative Care Unit in Pineville, La., for the loving care they provided for our loved one.

To leave an online condolence visit www.youngsfh.com.