"Coach" Wendell Graves

Birth date: Dec 19, 1928 Death date: Apr 26, 2015

Services for Wendell Graves, 86 of Longview, will be held at First United Methodist Church in Longview at 10:30 am on Wednesday April 29. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-7 pm at Rader Funeral Home. Coach Graves went to b Read Obituary

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Mark Markham

549w ago

Coach Graves was a very kind and caring person. When anyone had a bad round in a tournament and apologized for their score he would always ask if they had given their best. When we responded “yes” he would always tell us that is all he asked of us. To this day, when I have a failure in my life, I still remember Coach asking me if I have given my best. When I can answer yes to myself, I always appreciate that lesson Coach taught me.

Thank you Coach for always giving your best to us.

Mark Markham

Patrick Dickerson

549w ago

I played golf for Coach Graves on the 1983 District Championship Team. During practice one day Coach Graves was watching us tee off on the 1st tee box. I topped my drive about 10 yards down the fairway and the entire time the ball was rolling Coach Graves was yelling "FADE BALL FADE !!!!!" I was embarrassed of the bad shot but laughing my butt off because it so funny...too this day I yell that every time I hit a bad shot and that's a lot.

RIP Coach Graves

Patrick Dickerson

Wm Martin

549w ago

"Tough Love" is under appreciated while you're getting it. A whole generation of us lost our baby fat toiling in gym under Coach Graves and are the better men for it! We need more of his kind of teacher. Deepest sympathies to the family.

Wm. Martin

Pat Britton

549w ago

My deepest sympathy to the Graves family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Karen Jacobsen

549w ago

in honor of "Coach" .

A lit candle with a soft flame, surrounded by small white flowers and green leaves, set against a warm yellow background.

James K. & Fern Paul Moore

549w ago

in honor of "Coach" .

Mr Graves taught me and my husband both at Longview High School fond
memories of him. God Bless

A lighted pale blue candle with a small white flower and a few leaves at its base, set against a soft blue background.

Bob Mceachern

549w ago

I was saddened to hear of Coach Graves passing. I played for him in the 7th & 8th grades at Forest Park Jr High and then again on the Jr Varsity in the 10th grade at LHS. At the time we thought that Coach was tough on us, but in retrospect I am very thankful that he cared enough to push us to become better. Through his encouragement we found out that hard work pays off and also that we all have inner strength that can be called on when circumstances demand. I am very thankful to have had Coach Graves guidance and encouragement in those formative years.
Bob McEachern

Anonymous

549w ago

Sent an Arrive in Style to the Graves family.

Elegant floral composition with pink roses and white lilies, perfect for enhancing any space.

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Rex King

549w ago

I first knew Coach Graves when he was coaching at Longview Junior High School (1952-53). He was the defensive line coach. He taught me much about football and about life. His influence on all of us lived on after he left coaching. I wish we had more men life him today. He will be missed. Rex King

Ralph & Cynthia

549w ago

in honor of "Coach" .

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