On Sunday, February 7, 2016, the Angel of Life and Death was dispatched from the Archives of Glory, to escort from Life to Life Willie A. Graves, Jr.  He is the son of the late Willie Albert Graves, Sr. and Corine Allen Rankin, born February 12, 1934 in Reidsville, N.C. He was preceded in death by two sons, Gary and Barry Graves and one grand-daughter, Kailey Graves. Willie Graves attended the public schools of Rockingham County and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, class of 1952.  After graduating from High School, he attended North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.  He volunteered to serve in the United States Army.  Having a desire to continue his education, Willie enrolled in  Shaw Divinity School and graduated with a Degree in Theology.  He furthered his studies at Shaw University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy.  While attending Shaw University, he was inducted in the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. At an early, Willie was baptized at Elm Grove Baptist Church. Having heard the voice of God, he answered the call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He was licensed at the New Light Missionary Baptist Church, under the auspices of Rev. Dr. Cardes  H, Brown, Sr. He was ordained at Harris Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Graves was commissioned by God to start a Street Ministry in early 1989.  He visited the men under the trees by East Side Grocery, on East Market Street.  During the mid-part of 1989, while Pastor Graves was meeting with some street people under the trees, a sudden revelation from God appeared to him to start Believers Missionary Baptist Church. Willie worked for 39 years at  Lorillard Tobacco Company where he retired.  Pastor Willie A. Graves, Jr. served as Chaplin for Duke University Hospital and Moses Cone Health Care for 25 years.  He was a lifetime member of the NAACP and a member of Shaw University Divinity School National Alumni Association.  Pastor was a man of integrity, compassionate and one who heard, spoke, embraced and lived the Word.  To all who knew him, it did not matter if you were a member or not, he was the epitome of service and caring.  He was a man of great sense of humor, one who could lift even the lowest spirit. The years of Pastor Graves's life can be summed up in one word - LOVE.  He loved the Lord, and he delighted in preaching God's Word. He leaves his fond memories to be treasured by his devoted and loving wife of 29 years, Jo Ann Cooper Graves;  Sons: Willie A. Graves, Jr. III,  Michael Graves (Sedra), Adrian McKinnon (Bennita), Orlando McKinnon; daughters: Gale Stephens (Russell), Cynthia Milliner (Nelson),  Victoria Graves, Deborah Graves, Brother-in-laws: Willie J. Cooper (Edna), Charles S. Cooper (Burnell), Neal Cooper, Gregory (Vanzella);  sister-in-laws:  Allene Galbreath (Roosevelt), Annie C. Johnson (Clyde), Cynthia Cooper, Shirley Cooper.  17 grand-children, 21 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to be sent to Sickle Foundation, 1102 East Market Street, Greensboro, North Carolina  27401. A wake will be held at Believers Missionary Baptist Church from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, February 11, 2016. A service honoring the life of Pastor Graves will take place at Believers Missionary Baptist Church; 235 Ward Road, Greensboro, NC 27405, on Friday, February 12, 2016; beginning at 1:00 pm. Following the service will be the interment, at Lakeview Memorial Park; 3600 North O' Henry Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27405.