Thomas Gene Graves

Mr. Thomas Gene Graves, age 77, of Franklin, KY, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021 at 12:20 PM at his residence.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 30th, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory.  Visitation will continue on Friday, December 31st, 2021 from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Franklin, KY.  The body will lie in state at Old Zion Heritage Way Baptist Church in Woodburn, KY from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 31st at 2:00 PM at Old Zion Heritage Way Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Thomas was born on April 14, 1944 in Simpson County, KY to the late Sam Bergan Graves and the late Bessie Louise (Hicks) Graves.  He is also preceded in death by siblings, Ed “Monkey” Graves, Albert Graves, Margaret Dillard, Joyce Freeman, Nancy Redferrin, a Baby Brother Graves and a sister, Jewell Matherly.

He is survived by his wife of 55+ years, Vonnie Graves, 3 children, Kathy (Mike) Judge of Franklin, KY, Tommy (Melinda) Graves of Franklin, KY and Rita (Keith) McClanahan of Franklin, KY; 7 grandchildren, Caleb “Fudge” Judge, Hannah “LuLu” Judge, Roxanne “Rosebud” Graves, Luke “Lucas” Judge, Tyler “Wyler” McClanahan, Lydia “Lyd” Judge and Tanner “Muscle Man” McClanahan; siblings, Janette Eaton of Franklin, KY, Mary Jane Anderson of Gallatin, TN, Maxie Graves of Franklin, KY and Wayne Graves of Cross Plains, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

Thomas was a member of Old Zion Heritage Way Baptist Church in Woodburn, KY.  Thomas was a farmer for 25 years and he and his son, Tommy owned Graves Lawn Care.   He also worked for Franklin-Simpson Parks and Recreation.  Thomas loved spending time with his grandchildren and was a jokester!  He also loved to fish!  Tommy (Fat Boy) was his favorite and he wasn’t afraid to tell ya!  Thomas loved everybody and was the best daddy, poppie, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend we could ever ask for!  He never had a bad day when you ask… he was always fair to middling!!

Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory website is www.gilbertfhonline.com.  The Facebook page is Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.  The obituary phone line is 270-586-8844.