1/10/1948 - 5/30/2018 Respected and much loved Thoroughbred horseman, Bill Graves, a Senior Vice-President with Fasig-Tipton for 26 years, passed away after a short illness on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at the University of Kentucky hospital. Bill's son, Brian, Director of Public Sales for Gainesway Farm, was at his side for final days. A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, Bill developed a formidable reputation as a elite competitor on the national show-horse circuit. He competed at the top levels with much success. He was inducted into the Virginia Horse Show Association's Hall of Fame in 2007. In his early 20's, Bill came to Lexington to embark on his career with Thoroughbreds. Early, he showed exceptional skill as a showman in Saratoga and Kentucky. He started Graves Stable with his late wife, Michele, and they routinely proved themselves as a leading consignor at Fasig-Tipton's premier juvenile sales at Calder Race Course in Florida. In 1992, Bill was recruited by Fasig-Tipton to review and manage its Selected Yearling Sales process. His talent and ability for finding exceptional quality were unparalleled. This resulted in a major turning point for Fasig-Tipton's success. In collaboration with Walt Robertson and Boyd Browning, the company flourished to what it is today. Through a lifetime of achievements, Bill was unquestionably proudest of the accomplishments of his son, Brian, as a horseman, and, with his wife, Leslie, as the parents of Bill's three treasured grandchildren, Will, Catherine and Carson. He is also survived by his brother, Reed Graves; and his sister, Elizabeth (Ditty) Stone both of Lynchburg, Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Reed Enfield Graves and Catherine Goffigon Graves. Visitation will be held at Kerr Brothers, Main Street, on Saturday, June 2, 2018, from 5 until 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Fasig-Tipton on Monday, June 4, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, 821 Corporate Drive, Lexington, KY 40503.