Roll Call Tribute

Gene Parker Graves 

June 13, 1941 - February 2, 2026 

Mr. Graves passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026.  He was born on June 13, 1941, to Mr. Parker Graves and Mrs. Eugenia Shepherd Graves.

Gene was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, on June 13, 1941. He attended Central Ward Elementary School in Lufkin, Texas, where his dad managed Land of Pines. When he was in sixth grade, his family moved to Nacogdoches. He graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1959 and attended Texas A&M University, serving in the Corps of Cadets. He was a member of the Class of 1963. After completing his junior year, his dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer, so he returned home to take over the family dairy and to help his parents through a very difficult time.

During his time at A&M, he went on a blind date with a University of Texas junior, and it was love at first sight. He married his sweetheart, Sharron Marlow, on July 18, 1964. They settled in Nacogdoches where he continued running the family business. In 1965, he was awarded Outstanding Young Farmer by Texas Farm Bureau. Throughout his working years, he partnered with Jerry Evans in a John Deere Tractor Dealership (which resulted in a lifelong friendship), owned and operated a convenience store, and raised cattle.

As a boy, Gene heard the Gospel message of salvation and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He faithfully attended church his entire life, serving in many capacities. He was ordained as a deacon at Oak Grove Baptist Church in 1987. He and Sharron have been members of First Baptist Church Nacogdoches for over thirty years. He cherished his relationship with Christ and worked with The Gideon Ministry to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the distribution of Bibles at home and abroad.

Gene enjoyed serving others and supporting his community through organizations such as Nacogdoches HOPE, Salvation Army, Love INC, and Heartbeat Pregnancy Center. In 2019, the Nacogdoches County Republican Party awarded Gene and Sharron Citizen of the Year for their dedicated long-term service to the party.

Everyone who knew Gene knew how much he loved watching and supporting Texas A&M sports. He was a football season ticket holder for over sixty years. It was a special pastime the entire family enjoyed. After retirement, he also liked attending other sporting events at A&M, with family often joining him.

Gene, called PawPaw by his family, loved his wife, children, grands and greats immensely. PawPaw was a giant of a man in both stature and character. He was hard working, selfless, and generous beyond measure. His humor and quick wit kept those around him entertained. He enjoyed time spent with friends, filled with good conversation and laughter. More than anything else, he treasured his relationship with Jesus Christ, awaiting the day he would see Him face to face. On February 2, he took his last breath and walked into eternity, surrounded by his family with his wife of almost 62 years holding his hand.

Gene is survived by his wife, Sharron; daughters Ellen Graves of Houston, Leigh Ann and husband, David Whitman of Houston; two grandchildren, Abigail and husband, Cade Rampy, and Jenna Whitman; two great-grandchildren, Emmett Rampy and Riley Rampy, all of Houston; brothers-in-law Roy Marlow and wife, Bonnie of San Antonio, and Scott Marlow of Oklahoma City. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Parker and Eugenia Shepherd Graves.