Samuel "Norwood" "Pop" Graves, Sr., 78, of Mechanicsville, Md. died November 6, 2007 at his residence.

Born August 15, 1929 in Baltimore, Md. he was the son of the late Samuel and Ruth Wright Graves. He was the loving husband of Irma Y. Graves.

He is survived by his children: Samuel N. Graves, Jr. and his wife Betsy of La Plata, Md., Brenda Lee Bellere and her husband Daniel of Waldorf, Md.and Charles A. Graves and his wife Loretta of Mechanicsville, Md.; siblings: June Shorter of Waldorf, Md., Harry W. Graves of Hollywood, Md., Ruth Ann Hill and Evelyn Fowler both of Mechanicsville, Md.; 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his daughter: Amy Michele "Shelly" Graves and his brother: Hugh B. Graves.

Mr. Graves moved to St. Mary's County from Baltimore, Md. in 1930 where he graduated from Margaret Brent High School Class of 1946. He worked as a correctional officer for the Southern Maryland Pre-Release Unit, Hughesville, Md. for over 27 years until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of the Wicomico Shores Golf Club.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 8, 2007 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers will be said at 7:00 PM.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 9, 2007 at 10:00 AM in Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Mechanicsville, Md. with Rev. Ann Strickler officiating.

Interment will follow in Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, Md. Pallbearers will be: Danny Bellere, II, Jeremy Graves, Danny Burroughs, Franklin Hill, Bob Wrabley and Chad Ellis. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Melanie Graves, Sarah Graves, Amy Graves and Sr. Blitz Wicomico Shores.

Contributions may be made to: Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 15, Mechanicsville, MD 20659, Hospice of St. Mary's County, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and/or Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 27106 Mount Zion Church Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.