Gary Graves

He is preceded in death by his parents; and survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Donna Mary Graves; his 3 sons Michael Sanford, Christopher Sanford and John Sanford; his brothers Bill, Kevin, and Keith Graves; his nieces Deanessa Zunigo, Marissa Porter, Tammy Bryant, and Stacey Moffit; his nephews Justin Williams, Duane, Anthony, Zach, and Jake Graves, and Michael and Johnny Fitzgerald; as well as many great nephews and nieces.

Gary grew up in Killeen, TX, attending school there. In 1967 Gary enlisted in the US Navy, and after Basic Training in San Diego, CA, he attended Aircraft Engine School in Memphis, TN.

He served in duty stations at NAS Virginia Beach, VA, and NAS Whidbey Island, WA; and was deployed with his Squadron to NAS Guam, where he had TDY assignments in Thailand, South Korea, and Japan.

In 1973, having attained the rank of Second Class Petty Officer, Gary received an Honorable Discharge from active duty . He returned to Killeen where he attended Central Texas College and received an Associated Degree in Automotive Mechanics; which opened the door to a whole new career in places as diverse as Killeen, TX, Colorado Springs, CO, and Houston, TX; eventually retiring as a Certified Nissan Master Mechanic.

Gary loved snorkeling and scuba diving - sports that he had picked up while stationed in Guam - and he also had a passion for classic cars; and was the proud owner of a ’57 Chevy and a ’65 GTO.

Gary had many friends, and enjoyed helping others with his expertise and generosity.

He was dearly loved by all who knew him, and will be sorely missed.