Ferdinand Graves, Jr.

Ferdinand Graves, Jr. was born in Center Pointe, Arkansas on September 5, 1924, to a spiritually grounded couple, Mamie Whitmore and Ferdinand Graves, Sr. He was the eldest of nine children. “F.D.” was the last survivor of this Graves Family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lou Dora Johnson Graves, his eldest son, James Graves and his only daughter, Eloise Elaine (Weezy) Graves Ross.

F.D. dedicated his life to the Lord at the early age of 12 and was baptized in the Church of Christ.

He attended Dunbar High School, located in Center Pointe, Arkansas. During high school, he spent his spare time, learning and developing an excellent work ethic from his Great Grandpa Spat.

F.D. “Freddie” married his lifelong sweetheart, Lou Dora “Lou” Johnson on August 9, 1942. James Ivory, Eloise Elaine and Johnny Ferd were born to this union.

In March of 1944, F.D. and Lou moved to Kansas City, MO where they were very active in the Church of Christ. Brother Graves was on the Finance Committee at several congregations: 1111 Euclid, 1374 Michigan, 39th and Michigan, 5620 Swope Parkway and 9603 Blue Ridge Blvd. He also installed baptismal pools in each. He was a General Contractor and established Graves Brothers Contractors with his brother, James Shirley Graves. Three projects that he was very instrumental in erecting were Swope Parkway National Bank, and the Swope Parkway and Blue Ridge Churches of Christ.

In 1988, Graves and Ross Investment Company was established to open a barbeque restaurant, Smoking Hill BBQ, a family owned and operated restaurant, at the Lake of The Ozarks.

F.D. was a family-oriented, God-fearing man who built his home in 1969. They welcomed many friends and family in their home through the years. He and Lou celebrated their 25th and 50th anniversaries with large gatherings.

Brother Graves transitioned on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

He leaves to cherish his memory: Dear Friend, Lorse Morton; Son Johnny Graves (Diane), of Kansas City, MO; Son-in-Law Mayor Carson Ross (Ola) of Blue Springs, MO; seven grandchildren and several great and great-great grandchildren, Brother and Sister-in-Laws; and a host of nephews and cousins. Freddie never met a stranger so it’s no surprise that he will be missed and remembered by many Christian brothers and sisters, and friends throughout the United States, especially his customers.