Bowles Rice Mourns the Passing of Former Managing Partner Tom Graff
Charleston, West Virginia – Bowles Rice announces with deep sadness the passing of F.T. “Tom” Graff, Jr., a distinguished attorney, former Managing Partner, and respected leader whose career spanned more than six decades. Mr. Graff passed away on March 22, 2026, at the age of 87.
Born on February 15, 1939, Tom Graff began practicing law in 1964 and dedicated his professional life to the practice of business and commercial law, banking law, and mineral law. Over the course of his career, he built a reputation for thoughtful counsel, practical judgment, and unwavering commitment to his clients.
“In the early days, I never thought about whether I would become a managing partner. I thought more about whether or not I would become a worthwhile lawyer,” Graff once reflected – a philosophy that guided his work and leadership throughout his life.
Mr. Graff’s practice began in real estate and coal, oil, and gas law, and evolved into a sophisticated commercial and banking practice, with continued focus on natural resources. He represented a broad range of clients – from sole proprietorships to large corporations and financial institutions – and played a key role in acquisitions and sales of businesses and business assets. He brought extensive experience to transactions involving coal, oil, gas, and timber properties, and was deeply involved in the planning, negotiation, and resolution of complex commercial matters, including loan and capital transactions.
From 1986 to 2007, Mr. Graff served as Managing Partner of Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love. Under his leadership, the firm experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a single Charleston office with 30 attorneys to a regional firm of more than 120 attorneys across seven offices in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia. His vision, steady leadership, and commitment to excellence helped shape the firm into what it is today.
“Tom’s legacy is woven into the fabric of our firm,” said Marc Monteleone, Managing Partner of Bowles Rice. “He was not only an exceptional lawyer, but also a mentor, leader, and friend. His impact on our clients, our attorneys, and our communities will be felt for generations.”
Mr. Graff will be remembered for his professionalism, integrity, and dedication to both his clients and his colleagues. His contributions to the legal profession and to Bowles Rice leave a lasting legacy.
Details regarding memorial services will be shared as they become available.
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Bowles Rice is a full-service law firm with more than 100 attorneys serving clients from six offices located in Charleston, Martinsburg, Morgantown, and Parkersburg, West Virginia; Southpointe, Pennsylvania; and Winchester, Virginia.