Gilbert Graves was born on his grand-parents farm in 1932 to Grafton L. and Clara Bell Hamblen Graves. The family bought a farm on Central Pike to be near his paternal grand-parents, Edgar and Essie Philpot Graves. Gilbert later built his house on this farm and lived there until his death. Gilbert was involved in farming from a very early age as farming was the natural way of life on Central Pike. He milked cows before going to school each day. He helped tend to his great Uncle’s farm that he later came to own. This farm was certified a Tennessee Century Farm in 2002. It was established in 1816 by his fourth great grandparents. Gilbert was a member of the Mt. Juliet High School FFA Chapter for four years.

After graduating high school from Mt. Juliet in 1950, he went to work at AVCO, while still farming. It was also when he bought his first tractor, a used 1948 red belly Ford. In January 1955, he married Mary Lou and a week later was inducted into the United States Army. He spent two years at Fort Knox in Kentucky serving as a Military Policeman. After his military service, he accepted a job with Southern Tire Service in Nashville, creating a career in sales that lasted for more than fifty years. A special election was held in December 1965 for Magistrate in the 25th district. Gilbert won the seat and retained it in the 1966 August General Election. When he took office in 1965, Gilbert Graves was the youngest member on the County Court and when he left the seat in 2010, he was the oldest member on the County Commission.

While serving on the County Commission, Gilbert was involved in many projects that have improved life for Wilson county citizens. He was among those who were instrumental in preserving our farm heritage and history by supporting the purchase of land for the James E. Ward Agricultural Center. During his 45 years, he served for many years as Chairman Pro Tem and on various committees and boards some of which included the Planning Commission, Road Commission, Ag Management Committee and the Joint Economic Development Board. Gilbert was a lifelong member of Center Chapel Church of Christ. He was a charter member of the Mt. Juliet Breakfast Rotary Club, Big Brothers of Mt. Juliet, Wilson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and the Wilson County Fair Board. Gilbert Graves was passionate about all things Wilson County. He dedicated the bigger part of his life trying to make it a better place for all of us to live.