With deep sorrow, the family of William A. Graves announces his sudden passing on the evening of July 9, 2018. He was born August 8, 1941 to Sylvester and Pearl Alzaydie Graves in Chicago, Illinois. A lifelong hard worker, Bill Graves ventured into a number of work fields including owning and operating several of his own stores and businesses as well as working in upper management in Sears Retail stores for over 20 years. He graduated from Chicago State University with a degree in Elementary Education and pursued a Master's in Guidance Counseling at Lenoir Rhyne University. He met the love of his life Rebecca Taylor Graves while completing his degree. He spent his final days, working in his garden, which he took great pride in. Community Service was always a priority and he committed many hours to support efforts organized by the Kappa Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and Guilford County Top Teens of America. He had begun to pursue several leisure hobbies in order to fully enjoy his life including cooking, playing the guitar and piano, sewing, and international travel. He will move forward in his journey to the next life, going ahead of his loving wife of 56 years, Rebecca Graves, as well as their children Tanya Graves Hamilton (son-in-law Darryl) and Jason Graves (daughter-in-law Vakesia). He is survived by his five grandchildren, Gary Lynn, Julian Jason, Houston Lonnie, William Melvin, Jadon Albert and Lelia Williams. He has a large extended family in Chicago and spanning the entire country. A service honoring his life will be held Monday, July 16, 2018 at Providence Baptist Church; 1106 Tuscaloosa St. Greensboro, NC. The visitation will begin at 11:30 am and the service will follow at 12 pm. The interment will take place following the service at Guilford Memorial Park; 6000 Gate City Blvd. Greensboro, NC.