Cletus F. Graves

1934 - 2017

Cletus F. Graves obituary, 1934-2017, Lubbock, TX

BORN

1934

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery

5740 West 19th Street

Lubbock, Texas

Cletus Graves Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 9, 2017.

Celebration of Life service for Cletus Foy Graves will be held at 2 PM, Mon-day, November 13, 2017 at Resthaven's Abbey Chapel with Pastor Rodney Thomas officiating, interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be held 2-4 pm, Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Resthaven Funeral Home. Services are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Cletus passed from this life Wednesday, November 8, 2017 in Lubbock. He was born December 15, 1934 in Post, Texas to the late James and Minnie (Burleson) Graves.

Cletus graduated from Post High School and attended Texas Tech University. He married the love of his life, Mary "Jerry" Ethridge in Post, Texas September 22, 1951.

He was employed in the metal fabrication industry to support himself through college and later owned sevice stations before opening Graves Harley-Davdson Sales, Inc, September 22, 1971. On August 3, 2004 he retired after 33 years.

After his retirement he became involved in competive Sporting Clay events and was a proud member of the NRA. He was a member of Broadway Church of Christ.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his wife, Mary "Jerry" Graves of Lubbock, daughter Terry Goss and husband Darrel of Lubbock, son Rusty Graves of Central, Co. grandchildren Angela Janusz of Little Elm, Tx., Dustin Goss of Austin, TX, Marshall Graves of Trinidad, CO, Skinner Graves, of Trinidad, CO, Leeland Graves of Salida, CO, Julaine Graves of Lubbock and Christopher Graves of Salida, CO, and 9 great grandchildren.

Condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com
Arrangements under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Lubbock, TX.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Cletus Graves

Sponsored by Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery.

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Not sure what to say?

November 27, 2017

Friend

Lynda Laughlin

The first time I met Cletus and Jerry was at a Dealer incentive trip to Hawaii in the late 1980s. I remember a slide show of various dealers and activities that was shown while we were there. My favorite was a series of slides showing Cletus smashing an aluminum can with his cigar!
It was a pleasure and honor to serve with Cletus on the Dealer Advisory Council. He was a fine person.
Dave and I send our sympathy to everyone who was fortunate enough to have their life touched by him.

November 21, 2017

Carmen Louis

While stationed at Reese AFB in 1975 I purchased my first Harley from Cletus. I came to know Cletus and Jerry very well and have fond memories. May they both rest in peace.

November 21, 2017

Chris Kimbrough

Knew cletus for many years and kicked it few times at his house. Met him through my uncle bought 2 new Harley Davidson motorcycle from him he was always friendly like his wife. Loved just going graves Harley Davidson just hang out talk to him. Rest in peace cause we gonna join you someday ride again. Love you Cletus

November 16, 2017

Del Hofer

Cletus and I sat side by side while serving on the Dealer Advisory Council for Harley Davidson Motor Company. We got to be very good friend with Cletus and Jerry. He would tell me stories of his past that I still remember today, Very very interesting man and a good friend. Smoked several cigars with Cletus and to this day have several with his name on them that he gave me at one of our meeting . Just looked at one of them yesterday.
I have good memories of a good HD dealer friend.
ride long Cletus as you have no speed limits

Del & Renee Hofer
Fargo, No. Dak

November 16, 2017

Geronimo Mejia

So sorry for your loss. Cletus was a great guy I had the honor of knowing for a lot of years. He used to come into the Taco village ( my Mothers restaurant ) & toss a coin for double or nothing...he usually won his meals for free. He will be missed.

November 15, 2017

Sheri Franklin

My heart is so sad to hear about "my boyfriend!" I have loved taking care of him and his sweet wife for almost 20 years. There aren't many people who have touched my heart in a way these two young 'uns have...and, I sure will miss his funny, stubborn and lovable self. Sheri Franklin

November 15, 2017

Friend

Jeff Perry

I just learned of Cletus' passing this morning. What a man. He touched so many of us. From the dirt track in the late 60's to Texas Avenue in the early 70's to the new dealership and finally retirement, he was always willing to take time to help others. There are those we meet in this life who are forever in our memories and hearts. Cletus was one of those folks. Those memories leave me with a warm feeling and a smile.

November 13, 2017

Stacy Gaddis

My father (Royce Gaddis) use to take me to Mr Graves Harley shop when I was a kid. Him and his wife were always super nice to me, and super friendly. Matter of fact, he called my father one day and said, 'Glen, I have a dog for your son'. They had a stray and we picked her up. Super nice, bigger then life, and always willing to help people. I have never forgotten you Cletus,and your wife, and I never will. Be with God now, and rest. You have earned it Sir! Semper Fi!

November 12, 2017

RICHARD Arlen Smith

Rest in Peace my friend ,we were best friends as young boys .There was very little that we didn't get into Played together and fought ,but were always the best of friends.
My prayers for Jerry and family ,may God be with you in this time of sorrow.
Arlen Smith

November 12, 2017

Friend

Tim Harleson

Prayers to Jerry, Terry, Goose, Rusty and family. Cletus was one of the few that when God created him He broke the mold, truly one of a kind. A generous, caring soul with a tough exterior. One time at the HOG barn he played penny poker with my kids, as we were leaving he told me, Your boy dont like to lose and your daughter took all my money, that one afternoon playing with my kids left a lasting impression on them and him, not once did I shake his hand that he did not ask about them, making sure they were doing good. Cletus and Jerry always made me and my family feel like we were part of theirs. Love you Cletus, till we meet again!

November 12, 2017

Shannon Mele

What a wonderful man going to be missed by so many. But what great memories I have of Cletus and Jerry all the great times we had the hog club parties and bbq's at the barn. And down at the Harley shop. Him and Jerry have touched so many hearts,lifes awesome people.. Love you Cletus, Jerry! RIP IN PEACE CLETUS! My heart goes out Jerry,Terry,Rusty,darrel' the grandchildren, all family, friends! Love y'all. Shannon Mele

November 11, 2017

Dave Gentry

Jerry, Terry, Rusty, Darrell and Family,

May the Lord Bless You, Protect You and Keep You.
May He Surround You With His Divine Comfort.
May He Bestow Within You His Perfect Peace.

Sincerest Sympathies,

November 11, 2017

ride your bike in heavenlove bobby boynton

November 11, 2017

Mitch Meeks

So much of my life as a young man was centered around Graves H-D and the many, many great friendships that have endured, as a result. A great gathering place was the HOG Barn and the memorable events held there, over the years. RIP Cletus. Heartfelt condolences to Jerri. Rusty, Terry and Goose and family. Love you guys !

November 11, 2017

Jerry Riley

Wonderful man whom I learned a lot from ! Everyone who knew him will miss him greatly .

November 11, 2017

We are so sorry for your loss.We will be thinking of all of the family.

Dennis Stotts

November 11, 2017

Charlie Anderson

I am so sorry, It was a pleasure being your mailman, for those years and knowing ya'll. He will be missed!

November 11, 2017

bob schultz

Dear Jerry and all.
My deepest sympathies on Cletus' passing. I have remembered y'all in so many ways here in Virginia. When I bought a Harley here, the owner of the shop in Orange, Va, asked; "did you ever know that guy Cletus?" I was happy to say yes and I knew Goose and Terry, too as well as Jerry. RIP; Cletus. Wishing you all peace and comfort.

November 10, 2017

Loy & Jana Daniel

Great guy! A colorful piece of Lubbock's history.

November 10, 2017

Laura Lea Goolsby

Wow...what to say...so many memories involving the shop, the house, them. My love, prayers, and deepest condolences to you all, Jerri, Rusty, Terri & Goose and y'all's families. Cletus you are a Lubbock Legend...Ride in Peace...Love you!!!

November 10, 2017

Don and Mary Johnson

Our deepest sympathy to you're family he will be missed by all who knew him

November 9, 2017

Mike, Joy and Ruby Jane Johnson

I never thought of having to do a memorial message for Cletus. I guess in my mind Cletus was bullet proof. He was my daughter's grandpa Harley. He would hold her while Joy shopped. And no she never managed to grab his cigar and it was her no.1 target. He will always hold a place in my heart and my family's heart. It was a great ride!

November 9, 2017

Don and Clara Carsten

What memories we have of the hospitality Cletus and Jerry showed all of us in the HOG club over the years! Never saw Cletus without that cigar in the corner of his mouth and a big ole smile on his face. Wonderful family, wonderful man--a legend in the Harley World and a friend to all. He will be missed!

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery

5740 West 19th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407

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