Robert Louis Graves Jr. of Sarasota, Fla., died August 7.

Junior, as he was lovingly called, was born on Feb. 2, 1933 in Springfield, the son of Robert Graves Sr. and Laura Graves. He worked as a machinist and married Shirley Hinson Graves, who later predeceased him; they had eight children. After living for years in Springfield, he Shirley moved to their beloved Martha’s Vineyard where he was the proud owner of Graves Machine and Tool. When not at his shop, he could always be found on a beach or a bridge fishing, as he was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. He won first place in the National Field Archery Association’s Massachusetts State Championship in 1997 and scored in the top three in several other New England archery competitions. He was a former vice president of the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club and served as a board member of the Chappaquiddick Sportsmen’s Club.

After retirement, he relocated to Sarasota, Fla. with his second wife Ellie Jenkins Graves, who survives him.

In addition to his first wife, he was predeceased by two children, Joel and Keith; and three sisters, Thelma Freeman, Loretta Armstrong and Estelle Webb.

In addition to his second wife, he is survived by his children: Robert 3rd, Phillip and his wife Debbie, Kathy and her husband Doug, Michael and his wife Mildred, Peter and his wife Joyce, Laura and her husband Jeff; three step-children; a sister Barbara Webb; sister in law Muarita Bledsoe; and numerous grandchildren great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Due to the pandemic, a memorial service will be held at the Oak Bluffs Cemetery and will be announced in the spring/summer of 2021.

Donations can be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club, P.O. Box 1799, Edgartown, MA 02539-1799.