Mr. Samuel Lee Graves

Samuel Lee Graves was born April 30, 1940, in Prattville, Alabama. He was the third of four children born to Velma Myles.Samuel, affectionately known as "Sam and Sammie," graduated from Sandtown High School. In the early 1960's, Samuel moved to Chicago, IL and met and married Willie Lee Graves. They raised two beautiful children, Lycrecia Vanteal (Cookie) and Derek Cornelius.Samuel accepted Christ at an early age in Alabama. On February 1, 1987, he joined True Light Baptist Church of Chicago where he was a member of the usher board and was known for baking his famous carrot cakes and bringing them to church.In Chicago, Samuel worked for Zenith Television factory for many years. He also worked for General Electric as a machinist for over 20 years until he retired.Samuel graduated from Barbizon Modeling and Acting School in Chicago. After graduation, he modeled his clothing designs in fashion shows in and around Chicago. Whenever you saw Samuel in a suit, you saw him with a hat and a big smile. He was always camera ready.Samuel enjoyed many hobbies during his life. His hobbies have always included tailoring his own clothes which includes every suit he has ever worn and his daughter's senior prom dress. He also loved to sing and if you were walking past his home in Chicago, you would be able to hear Samuel singing outside.During his retirement years, Samuel enjoyed singing weekly at the Satellite Senior Center with a host of close friends. He also sang with his group of friends at different venues around Chicago, which included his group being featured singers at the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park. Samuel was so active, that sometimes his children had to schedule time at home with him.Samuel lived a full and active life until November 12, 2023, when the Lord whispered in his ear and said it was time to take his rest.He leaves to cherish in his memory, a loving daughter and son, Lycrecia and Derek, sisters Velma, Ida Mae and Helen and a host of nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother Velma Myles, brothers, Eddie, Howard, John, Brown and Adam and sisters, Susie, Rosie Lee and Lillie Pearl. The Homegoing service will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. from Springfield Missionary Baptist Church with Derek Smith officiating. Pallbearers will be Derek Smith, Isaiah Smith, Eddie Graves, Jr., Lavern Graves, Carlton Hall & Patrick Myles. The interment will follow at McKeithen Cemetery with Brookside Funeral Home, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens of Millbrook, AL directing.