Shelby Jay Graves, 48, surrendered his spirit to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, Sept. 15, 2003, at McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond, Va. Shelby was born in Newport News, Va., on Jan. 17, 1955. He attended George Washington Carver High School and further matriculated to Warwick High School where he graduated in 1973. Shelby received an honorable discharge after serving as a supplyman with the U.S. Army in Germany in 1977 and later pursued a year of studies in accounting at Thomas Nelson Community College. He worked several years at Earl Industries in Portsmouth as a driver and materials handler and later became the owner of Shelby’s Transport Company. Shelby is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Millie Graves. Survivors include two sisters, Jerry Spencer of Newport News and Marie Graves of Hampton; two brothers, Delano Graves (Wanda) of Greensboro, N.C., and Alton Graves of Portsmouth, Va.; three nieces, Sharon Spencer, Shanelle Spencer and Nikki Graves; six great-nephews, Terrance Spencer, Shaun Spencer, Ramone Spencer, Delano Graves Jr., Christian Graves, Sheik Graves; and a special friend, Gail Goble. Friends will cherish memories of Shelby’s zeal and passion for helping others.