Dennis Wade "Denny" Graves

Isaiah 6:8

Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then said l, "here am l; send me."

Dennis Wade “Denny” Graves was born on September 8th, 1948, at his parent’s home on Jones Ridge in Speedwell, Tennessee. On January 30th, 2026, at 4:44 PM, he made his transition to his heavenly home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace Dennis and Minnie Deloris (Jones) Graves. Also, preceding him in death were special friend, Franklin (Toppy) Russell, and beloved brother-in-law, Dennis (Ziggy) Welch.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Dorothy Ann (Lane) Graves; sons, Christopher Allen and Randi Lee (Manning) Graves, Brandon Dennis Graves, and Jarrod Nicholas Graves all of Speedwell, Tennessee. Surviving him also are his brothers, Kelly Wayne and Joyce (Owens) Graves and Victor Allen and Linda (Branscomb) Graves. One brother-in-law, Billy Wayne Lane, also of Speedwell, Tennessee.

Denny was saved and baptized at a young age, at Pine Grove Baptist church, where he was a lifelong member. He served his church from May 1997 as a deacon and spent decades as the financial secretary, until he was called home.

Denny died as he lived, with dignity and integrity. He was an especially kind and generous man, with family, with friends and with complete strangers or anyone in need.

As a youth, he attended Bolinger School and attended Powell Valley High School as a Freshman and Sophomore. His Junior and Senior years were completed in Monroe, Michigan where he graduated from Monroe High School while holding a full-time job at Chrysler Motor Corporation. He also attended Tusculum College.

He served his country from 1967 until 1971. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam era. He sailed on the USS Saratoga (CV-60) visiting 17 different countries and making both Icelandic and Mediterranean cruises. He ended his service at the rank of E-5, Petty Officer 2nd Class.

After completing his military service, he returned to Monroe, Michigan and the auto industry. Working for both Chrysler and Ford Motor Corporations and Consolidated Paper Mills. Moving his young family to Speedwell, Tennessee in 1975 he worked numerous jobs to provide for them. He spent time working at tanneries and coal mines, until his acceptance into the apprenticeship program at Local 46 of The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers in Knoxville, Tennessee. He worked for many of Local 46's contractors, on projects all over their territory until he accepted a permeant position at the U.S. Government facilities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on May 25, 1983. There he worked at the X-I O and Y-1 2 facilities for 30+ years, until his retirement on May 30, of 2013.

His retirement marked 46 years of providing the best life he could for his family. From his first full time job at Chrysler as a 17-year-old senior in high school in 1967, to his retirement as an Area-Maintenance Coordinator at the Y-12 facility in 2013.

Denny served his community as a county commissioner for 20 years, from 1990 until 2010. He served on many committees and served as the chairman of the commission for a time. He was able to do many good things for his county and community while serving, including things that were never celebrated, as he never sought attention for himself.

In his personal life, his family was first and foremost. He loved his family and preferred to spend his free time with them. He especially looked forward to spending time with and visits from his grandchildren, Jacob Andrew, Emma Lauren, Matthew Isaac, Peyton June, Allie Layton, Hannah Denise Brooke, Haley Daniele Branae and Garrett Wade Graves and his seven great-grandchildren.

He loved history, especially the Second World War and The American Civil War. Vacations were spent visiting civil war cemeteries, museums, and battlefields. He was intrigued by science and cryptozoology. He had a hunger to know and understand how mysteries could be explained, how things worked and how the world itself turned. All traits that he passed on to his sons.

He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him and loved him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Dr's. , Nurses, and staff members at Covenant Health Claiborne Medical Center and the Fort Sanders Select Specialty Hospital who provided their care and expertise during his final days.

Visitation will be held at Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel in Harrogate, Tennessee, on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 8:30 PM.

Funeral Services will be held at Pine Grove Baptist Church, 1260 Jones Ridge Road, Speedwell, Tennessee, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM with Rev. James Branscomb and Rev. Dewayne “Kojak” Graves officiating. Music to be provided by The Pine Grove Singers.

Burial, with military honors, to immediately follow funeral services, at Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Billy Lane, Mark Honaker, Danny Ray Graves, Larry Wayne Graves, Little Vic Graves, Jacob Graves, Matthew Graves and Garrett Graves.

Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel in Harrogate is honored to serve the family and friends of Dennis Wade “Denny” Graves.