Robert Edwin Graves, chemist, councilman
Robert Edwin Graves of Millsboro, devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather, passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016.
A Baltimore, Md. native, Bob attended high school at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and then went on to graduate from Loyola College with a B.S. in chemistry. He also achieved additional degrees from the University of Baltimore and MIT.
Bob had a distinguished career in the chemical industry spanning more than 40 years. He started as a research chemist with McCormick and Co. in Baltimore for a number of years in the 1950s before leaving in 1960 to become a sales manager for Alcolac Chemical Corporation, also in Baltimore. In 1970 he accepted a job as a sales manager for Balchem Chemical Corporation in Slate Hill, N.Y., and his career with Balchem continued into the 1990s when he retired.
Having always had an interest in antiques, Bob and Joyce turned this hobby of collecting into a business when they established Cranberry House Antiques in the 1990s, and that business is still in operation.
An avid reader of anything scientific or historical, Bob's greatest literary interest was World War II with Winston Churchill as his all time historic hero. Dozens of books regarding "Winnie" line his bookshelves. Because of his interest in reading, Bob was a proud supporter of the Friends of the Millsboro Library. He helped promote their fundraising efforts by assisting with their annual galas and book sales for many years. He also served the Town of Millsboro for a number of years on the town council.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce (Conaway) Graves: four children, Brad Graves of Finksburg, Md., Kyle (Christina) Graves of Catonsville, Md., Jennifer (Mark) Walter of Fairfax, Va., and Brett (Pam) Graves of Lewes; eight grandchildren, Meghan Bower, Dayn Graves, Austin Graves, Tom Graves, Courtney Deuchler, Seth Graves, Matthew Walter and Sarah Walter; a sister, Janet Harrison of Jacksonville, Fla.; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Aeonah Graves, and a sister, Norma King.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 2, at Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro, where friends may call one hour prior for visitation with the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Tunnell Cancer Center, 18947 John J. Williams Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Electronic Condolences may be made via www.watsonfh.com.
