October 8, 2022, 62, Mount Olive –

At the age of 62, Karl Wilhelm Graves, of the Smith Chapel area near Mount Olive, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, October 8, 2022.

A natural-born machinist and tie and die maker, he owned and operated Southern Machine at his home, and assisted area farmers and big industry alike with their needs.

Karl had served in the United States Air Force and was born in Massachusetts.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Nilssen Graves, of the home; his mother, Monika Sholz Graves Beauregard, of Sautee, Georgia; six children, Brittney Michelle Ferriere and husband, Joshua, of Princeton, Daniel Aaron Nilssen and wife, Sierra, of Mount Olive, Victoria Kristene Nilssen, Laura Faith Graves, Ashley Grace Graves, and Alexander William Graves, all of the home; three grandchildren, Damien, Daniel Aiden, and Lexon, all of Mount Olive; a brother, Michael Graves, of Knoxville, Tenn.; two sisters, Christle Burgos of Jacksonville, Fla., and Heidi Clements of Holly Springs, Georgia; and special friends, Ray and Rhonda Myers of Mount Olive, to whom deep appreciation is given.

Karl’s father, Harold Lester Graves, preceded him in death.

The life of Karl Graves will be honored Thursday, October 13, at 2 p.m. at Mount Olive First Presbyterian Church (corner of South Breazeale Avenue and West Main Street, Mount Olive, NC).  Following the service, the family will greet friends in Baker Chapel Fellowship Hall, adjacent to the sanctuary.

For those with photos or sentiments to share, you may do so at [email protected]