Evangelist Gennie L. Graves

Some men are called to live a quiet life; others are born to shake the atmosphere. Evangelist Gennie Louis Graves, affectionately known across the East Coast simply as Evangelist G. L. Graves, was undoubtedly the latter. On June 26, 2026, just a month shy of his 94th birthday, this legendary general of the faith completed his earthly assignment, passing away peacefully in Hampton, Virginia—the city he proudly called home for some 60 years. In his final days, as his health declined, he was enveloped in the exact same fierce, devoted love he spent a lifetime giving, tenderly cared for by his children and grandchildren.

A Fire Ignited in the Carolina Clay

The remarkable story of G. L. Graves began on July 27, 1932, in Caswell County, North Carolina. Born the youngest of seven sons and one daughter to the late William Albert and Hannah Glendora (Watkins) Graves, young Gennie was raised on a foundation of hard work and deep country roots. But the heavens had an early eye on him. At just 11 years old, he accepted Christ and was baptized, igniting a spiritual fire that would burn brightly for the next 83 years. Seeking new horizons, he moved to Newport News, Virginia, in September of 1952, working for Vepco. It didn't take long for the Divine to disrupt his plans. In 1955, the unmistakable call to the ministry echoed in his soul. For two agonizing years, he wrestled with the weight of that calling—until he realized a profound truth: he simply could not live with himself without preaching. Yielding to his destiny, he transferred his membership from his childhood home of Graves Chapel Baptist Church to Second Baptist Church. By July 1957, he stepped into the pulpit for his trial sermon, and by September, he was officially licensed to preach.

The Scholar and the General: Over 67 Years of Preaching

Evangelist Graves was a man who believed in sharpening his sword. He fiercely pursued spiritual scholarship, studying under the brilliant Rev. Dr. O.B. Henderson (Pastor of Banes Street Baptist and professor at Lynchburg Seminary). Night after night, he would gather with other local ministers at Trinity Baptist Church on Chestnut Avenue, absorbing theology like a sponge. Under the mentorship of the late Rev. G. P. Godwin, he prepared for ordination, a milestone officially recognized by the Unity Baptist Ministers Conference in 1972 at Lincoln Park Baptist Church and then New Grafton Baptist Church. He would eventually find his long-term spiritual home at First Baptist Church Jefferson Park. What followed was a masterclass in relentless evangelism. In 1967, long before modern megachurches existed, Evangelist Graves took the Gospel to the streets. He flooded neighborhoods with self-written flyers and tracts. Evangelist G. L. Graves faithfully ministered to neighborhood children by purchasing a school bus, teaching them God’s Word, providing meals, taking them on outings, and leading the Bible Student Choir, which shared the Gospel on the radio. He set up revival tents, leased empty buildings, and brought comfort to the lonely inside nursing homes. Alongside his beloved partner in life and ministry, Vertell, he stepped into the darkness of the Youth Detention Home, bringing light, hope, and reformation to troubled youth.

A Voice Across the Airwaves

In April of 1987, Evangelist Graves unlocked a new frontier: the airwaves. For 32 years, his commanding, faith-filled voice shook the radio speakers on WKGM AM 940, WSGH AM 1040 (reaching the Greater Triad area of North Carolina), WKTR 840 (Central Virginia), and WKDI AM 840 (Denton, Maryland). Not bound by borders, he took his message global, preaching worldwide online at www.yourministrystation.com. Remarkably, he did all of this while remaining a pillar of standard work. He spent decades with Construction Associates from 1972 until his full retirement in July 2001, proving that one could build earthly structures by day and heavenly kingdoms by night.

A Legacy Written in Generations

While his public accomplishments were staggering, his greatest masterpiece was his family. On November 17, 1955, he married the love of his life, Vertell Rhames Graves. Together, they built a fortress of love that produced five children.Though he has stepped into eternity, his powerful legacy is carried forward by his surviving children: Judith P. Bonds, Genova Graves Meekins, and Abram Graves. The generational blessing of Evangelist Graves is massive, continuing through 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, alongside a vibrant host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

It is the desire of the Graves family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Rev. Gennie L. Graves has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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