William Graves

William Michael Graves, age 82, of Biloxi, went to meet the Lord on Monday, August 31, 2026.

William Graves was born in Biloxi and raised in D’Iberville by his parents William and Clara Graves, who preceded him in death. He was one of six children. He was preceded in death by Marlene Pickard, Elaine Winterstein, and Dane Graves; and is survived by two sisters, Lois Belvel and Sheila Gillies. William’s parents instilled in him and his siblings the discipline of hard work and the importance of family. William graduated from D’Iberville High School and continued his studies at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston, before moving on to the University of Southern Mississippi and graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.

Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp Reserve and was stationed in southern California. It is here that he would meet the love of his life, Melinda. They would marry on December 30, 1967, and have four children, Laura Smith, William Graves, II, Melissa Fuller, and Michael Graves.

He earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license while living in California and working in hospital administration. Then, in 1974, they moved back to Biloxi where he would go into practice for himself as a CPA. For 52 years, he had a successful accounting practice and grew a client base that included many dear friends. William took great pride in his work and was dedicated to his profession.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. In his later years, you could find him at his camp where he would keep himself busy enjoying nature’s splendor from the seat of his tractor. Most of all, he enjoyed his grandchildren. Whether it was teaching them how to fish and catch crabs or visiting and watching them grow, he was proud of every one of them.

He was Catholic, a man of great faith, and an active parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. It was this faith that carried him through good times and bad,and filled him with great peace and comfort. He will be missed by all who were lucky to have known him, and especially by those who loved him most.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi at 11 am on Saturday, September 12, 2026 with visitation beginning one hour prior. Interment to follow at Southern Memorial Park.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of William Michael Graves.