Kenneth "K.O." Odell Graves

K.O. was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1956 and he was preceded in death by his parents, James Thomas and Winnette Graves. K.O. grew up in Mount Olive, Alabama and graduated from Gardendale High School in 1975. K.O. then followed in his father’s footsteps with a career as a professional truck driver for over 30 years.

K.O. is survived by his loving wife, Kamie, of 38 years. They were married in Mount Olive on Jan 28, 1977.

K.O. will forever be remembered by his wife Kamie, of Warrior; children, Nakia Michelle Marsh (James) of Warrior, Kenneth Odell Graves Jr. (Krystle) of Auburn; treasured grandchildren, Austin, Kaitlyn, Chandler, Braxton, Maddox, Kenley, Kenneth Odell Graves III (Kage); a great grandchild, Brenley; brothers, James (Cindy), Thomas (Linda), and Paul (Tonya), along with countless friends and family whom were blessed beyond measure to have known him.

K.O. loved God, his family, his country, and Nascar. K.O. always enjoyed meeting new people and never met anyone whom stayed a stranger for long. K.O. touched the lives of so many people with his smile and generosity and maintained his sense of humor all the way to the end.

K.O. became a friend of Bill W. last year and was blessed with 353 days of sobriety and many friends who encouraged him along the way. He was truly grateful for each and every one of you. So many of you were a bright light in getting him through darker days.

The family of K.O. will receive friends at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel on Wednesday, June 24th, 2015 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. A graveside service will be on Thursday, June 25th, at 11:00am in the Cullman City Cemetery, Cullman, AL.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in K.O.’s honor to give someone else an opportunity for recovery to The Reprieve, 401 S. 9th St, Opelika, AL 36801.

Condolences, memories, stories, and photos of K.O. can be shared on his Facebook Page or www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com