Daine Lee Graves passed away on August 5, 2026, at his residence in New Hartford, New York, at the age of 56. Daine was born on October 15, 1969, in Ramstein, Germany to Jerry Don Graves and Jimmie Lee Graves (Carter).

Daine had recently moved to upstate New York to live near his daughter Robin, moving from Hot Springs, Arkansas. For most of his life, he called the Arkansas home. From a young age, Daine started building race car engines and running heavy equipment for his father’s construction company, “Don’s Utility Construction”. Daine was very proud to call himself a heavy equipment operator, and he would use it as a lifelong career.

Daine was a man of many other passions, as well. He loved to hunt and fish, ride and work on motorcycles, and drag racing. However, his passions went beyond things with motors. Daine was also an artistic man in both creating art and playing the guitar. Later in life, he had taken up the hobby of golf and enjoyed it immensely. He also was known amongst his family to make a famous deer chili and some of the best sweet fudge a person could eat. One of Daine’s favorites and most cherished hobbies was spending time with his grandchildren.

Daine was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Jimmie Lee. He is survived by two daughters, Robin Kasity Sullivan of New Hartford, NY and Sierra Lee Graves of Lincoln, AR; a brother, Steven Craig Graves of Springdale, AR; and 5 grandchildren, Freyja Rain Mannon, Maddison Kae Newell, Millie Grace Sullivan, Jesse Evan Sullivan, and Beaux Robert Sullivan.

A celebration of life for Daine will be Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel in Springdale, Arkansas. Family asks for friends and family to bring their best Daine story to share. Honorary Pallbearers are Barry Graves, Brian Graves, Brad Graves, and Joshua Sullivan. Daine will be interred at Wilson Cemetery in Lowell, Arkansas.