Arthur M. Graves, age 57 of Harrison , Arkansas , died Friday, August 17, 2012 at his home. He was born on January 15, 1955 in Booneville , Arkansas and was brought up by his foster parents, Everette and Lura Dowdy. Reared and receiving his early education in Greenway, Arkansas , where he graduated as valedictorian, he went on to serve in the United States Army, and later studied philosophical arts at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro . He was a carpenter and a craftsman, enjoyed woodworking, and was an adherent of bushcraft.

Survivors include: Shanda Grotta of Harrison, Sandra Graves of Marianna, two daughters, Michelle Graves of Jonesboro and Ruth Bryant of Little Rock; two sons, Michael Graves of Malvern and Nathaniel Graves of Texarkana, Texas; two sisters and one brother; seven grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by a son, Jon Graves, and by three brothers and one sister.

There will be a private service for family members.In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas, 1009 Wolfe St. , Little Rock , AR 72202 , or to Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock .

Cremation arrangements are by J. A. Funk Funeral Home of Malvern.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.