Eric Graves, age 57, passed away on January 1, 2021, at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio from complications with pneumonia after a long term stay at Hanover Healthcare Center in Massillon, Ohio.  He was born on October 9, 1963 in Canton, Ohio to Gloria (nee. Taylor) and Arthur Charles Graves.

Eric graduated from Canton McKinley High School in 1981.  After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and traveled to many places before returning to his hometown of Canton, Ohio, where he worked in retail sales before becoming a long time employee of the U.S. Postal Service in Akron, Ohio.  Eric had an outgoing personality and was an avid sports fan, especially football and basketball.  He also loved baseball and actively played during his teen years.  Eric enjoyed spending quality time with family and dear friends and flashing that smile, showing his deep dimples.

Preceded in death by his only sibling and older brother, Jeffrey Graves; grandparents, Cola and Daisy Taylor and Booker and Lueticher Stevenson; aunt, Celletta "Clo" Taylor Suggs and Uncle Cola "Cole" Taylor.

He is survived his devoted and loving father, Arthur; beloved daughter, Arianna Graves of Columbus, Ohio; sons, Eric Graves Jr. and Juan McElroy both of Canton, Ohio; (9) grandchildren, Eric Jr., Tyler, Taylor, Jayce, Zion, and Erykuh Graves, Jautia, Sa'Nhi and Juan McElroy; aunts, Mary France (Blaine) Davis of Rio Vista, California, Alma Bailey and Jeaneen Stevenson of Canton, Ohio; uncles, Billy (Linda) Taylor, Jerry (Eddie) Graves, Curtis Graves, Kevin (Debbie) Stevenson of Canton, Ohio; nieces, Robin Graves of Charlotte, North Carolina and Christian Graves of Canton, Ohio; nephew Elijah Graves of Canton, Ohio as well as a host of cousins and friends.  Eric will be deeply missed by all who loved him.