Stephen F. Austin State University

Gerald Mackey Jr. and his wife, Rhona, have established a scholarship in honor of Ross Graves Jr. at Stephen F. Austin State University. The scholarship will benefit eligible Timpson High School graduates and may be renewed for up to eight semesters.

Ross Graves was Rhona’s father and a longtime mayor of Timpson. He was an avid supporter of the young people of Timpson and education.

“Ross began serving as mayor of Timpson during some difficult times, and he was always accessible and devoted,” Gerald said. “Even though he never went to SFA, he was very devoted to the youth of Timpson and to helping them succeed,”

A rancher and poultry farmer, Graves was successful in securing grants for Timpson through the Texas legislature, Mackey said. He served as mayor for more than 25 years. He died in 1997.

Graves’ daughter, Reneè Aubè, graduated from SFA and was drum major for the Lumberjack marching band. The Mackeys’ son, Gerald Charles, is a 2001 SFA graduate.