Friday night February 23, 2024 our beloved brother, Kenneth Ralph Graves, passed away surrounded by family, after two weeks in SICU at UAB. He fought a good fight and endured much more than most could even imagine. But now he is healed in the arms of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. He was 71. Kenneth was born January 19, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan to his parents Mary and Ellis Graves while his dad was working there for General Motors.
Kenneth went to school at Vinemont and played on the basketball team there. He served in the US Army as a Pvt 1st Class and was proud to serve. He was a painter for most of his life but after retiring he began gardening and was very good at it. Everyone wanted to get some of his vegetables when they came to visit. He loved family foremost, but he also loved Alabama football, always sporting an Alabama hat. He loved country music and would sing along with his brothers when he had the chance. Oh, and did you mention fishing, he would go in a hot minute. He loved his family and grandchildren and never met a stranger. He was a brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle. There are many friends, family and associates that loved him, and he will truly be missed by all.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Vickie Warren Graves of Arab, AL; children, Cindel Graves Burt of Rainsville, AL, Landon Graves of Powell, AL and Daniel Graves of Marion, AL; sisters, Carolyn Allen of Springville, AL, and Connie Graves of Wetumpka, AL; brothers, Terry Graves of Holly Springs, GA and Kerry Graves of Crossville, AL; grandchildren, Kody, Mayleen, Issac, Shelia, Henry, Bodhi, and Journey; and great grandchildren, Dantley and Kohen; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lee Graves; father, John Ellis Graves; and brother, Larry Ellis Graves.
The family will honor the life of Kenneth with a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on March 9, 2024 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel in Arab, Alabama. Brother Jeremy Auvil will be officiating the service. Friends and extended family will gather from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. to visit and exchange memories.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangement entrusted to Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, Arab, Alabama
