Homer Dale ("Dale") Graves was born to Homer and Ruthie Mae Graves of Pine September 18, 1965. He graduated from Pine High School in 1983, and he completed the 2-year Industrial Maintenance course at the Sullivan Vo-Tech in Bogalusa, now known as Northshore Technical Community College, Sullivan Campus.
From a very young age, Dale enjoyed farming, gardening, syrup and crackling making, hog killing, collecting antiques and working on machinery. Dale worked in his Grandpa Johnny Graves' dairy, that would later become his very own, which he operated through 2020, when he decided to "free up" some time for himself!
Dale has an unmatched skill for "fixing" things and keeps busy doing small engine repair. Even while dairying, he'd never miss a day at Mile Branch Settlement (MBS) during its annual events.
His Washington Parish pioneer spirit led to his volunteering at MBS as a high school teen in 1981, assisting Ralph Jones in the blacksmith shop for 2-3 years. He then began helping Ralph Ard in the sugar cane mill operation. Dale's mule, Ole Nellie, was used to run the cane mill for a while. He was definitely on-board for life as an MBS volunteer.
By this time, everyone involved with the MBS knew Dale and knew that if anything needed repair or maintenance, they could count on Dale, who was and is always willing and ready to lend a hand around the cabins to assure their smooth operation. He eventually found his long-term passion at the gristmill. Dallas (Dal) Hounshell, now deceased, enjoyed having Dale as his sidekick. Ellis Bateman and Roy King enlisted Dale's help to rebuild the corn crib in the mid 90's, and Dale also installed underground wiring and replaced security connections. He has faithfully managed the gristmill to date. He eagerly anticipates the Washington Parish Fair each year as well as any other annual events held at this spectacular Washington Parish historical exhibit of MBS.
Dale attends Harmony Missionary Baptist Church. He enjoys using his abilities in service to many friends and his loving family.
With much humility and gratitude, Dale thanks each and everyone involved in the honoree selection process, who have chosen to honor him as the 2023 Mile Branch Honoree. Serving as an MBS volunteer has, and continues to be, a special privilege of his life.
