Larry Carlisle Graves peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on Monday, September 21, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born May 1, 1947, to Henry and Evelyn Graves, Larry grew up on McAlway Road in the Oakhurst area of Charlotte, North Carolina with his younger siblings: Nelson, Amy, and Joy. During tenth grade, Larry began dating the love of his life Christy Byrd. They graduated from East Mecklenburg High School together in 1965 and married in August of 1968.

In 1969, Larry graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and proudly began serving in the Army Reserves. The newlyweds returned to the Charlotte area in 1971 so that Larry could take over the operation of Graves Furniture Shop, the family business established in 1949 by his late father Henry.

The great pride Larry took in his work was evident in every piece of furniture he touched. Throughout the Charlotte area, the master craftsman became well known for his expertise in restoring and refinishing antiques, custom building, and repairing all types of woodwork. Larry could build or fix almost anything. If he didn’t immediately know how, he’d figure it out. Although he retired after several decades, the shop lives on in Matthews under new ownership.

The most important thing to Larry was family, and one way he showed that was to create a beautiful home for all to share. He found a basic split-level house and over the years significantly expanded it into something completely original with more space for gathering with extended family and friends.

Larry and Christy had three children, two grandchildren, and recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. He enjoyed quality time with loved ones, trips to the mountains, golf, sweets, and a great cup of coffee. His family and friends looked forward to his entertaining stories. If you spent time with him, then you shared a laugh with Larry. And if anyone ever needed help with anything, Larry was always there. Losing him leaves an emptiness in the family that words cannot describe. He was a devoted husband, the greatest father and grandfather, and the best brother and friend anyone could hope to have. May Larry’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and humor pass down through generations.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Henry Carlisle Graves; mother, Evelyn Funderburk Graves; sister, Joy Graves Shue; brother, Nelson Graves; and brother-in- law, Jerry Lawrence.

He is survived by his wife, Christy Byrd Graves; son, Chad Graves; daughter, Melanie Graves; daughter, Stacy Graves (Ritchie Dudley); and two grandchildren, Henry Graves and JoLynn Carlisle Graves. He is also survived by his sister, Amy Graves Watts (Jerry); sister-in-law, Lisa Graves; brother-in-law, Robert Shue; and sister-in-law, Terri Lawrence; as well as nieces and nephews, Craig Watts (Angela); Carla Watts Bruce; Taylor Shue Jarina (Matthew); Jillian Brawley; Daniel Shue (Jenni); Chance Lawrence (Rachael); Hayley Lawrence Klenke (Mike); and great-nieces and great-nephews, Parker Watts; Caleb Bruce; Cameron Jarina; Wyatt Jarina; Eva Brawley; Avery Brawley; Mason Shue; Coy Shue; Julius Lawrence; and Russell Lawrence.

A special thanks from the family goes out to the wonderful caregivers for their consistent care, compassion, support, and patience. In addition to extraordinary care, their companionship and laughter brightened his final days.

Visitation will be held at Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 South Trade Street, Matthews, NC 28105, on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 1:00pm until 1:45pm, followed by a memorial service at 2:00pm, with Pastor Susan Heafner-Heun presiding.

In memory of Larry, the family asks that any donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (www.michaeljfox.org).

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112, is honored to be entrusted to care for the Graves Family.