Melvin "Mel" Truitt Graves

Melvin Truitt Graves III, 56, of Gilbert, South Carolina, passed away on November 15, 2025 at his home in Gilbert, South Carolina. He was born on November 20, 1968 in Augusta, Georgia to Bobbie (McCullough) Dawkins and the late Melvin Truitt Graves, Jr.  

Mel was an avid fisherman and loved being out on the lake reeling in the big ones. He was also a big Clemson Tigers fan, following his team and cheering him on. Mel loved his family. The times spent with them were precious and cherished. He was a loving father and grandfather. His daughters and grandchildren were the light of his world and the warmth in his heart. He will be missed by those who he loved and those that loved him. Mel spent most of his life on the road driving trucks. He enjoyed his 90’s Country and 80’s Pop music.

Mel is survived by his mother, Bobbie Dawkins and stepfather Ronnie W. Dawkins, Sr. of Gilbert; Daughters: Katlyn Bottorff and her husband Matthew of Fort Campbell, Lauren Graves of Gilbert; Stepbrother, Ronnie W. Dawkins and his wife Patricia; Grandchildren: Rylee Bottorff and Konnor Bottorff; Nephews, Luther Dawkins, Austin Allen and Brandon Allen.  

He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Truitt Graves, Jr.; grandfather, Melvin Truitt Graves, Sr.; grandmother, Barbara Graves Moffitt; and stepbrother, Jake Dawkins. 

The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209 on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 12:00PM until 1:00PM. Funeral services will follow in the chapel of the funeral home with Reverend Ken Whitt officiating. Interment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park, following the chapel service. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.