Richard Ray Graves
Richard Ray Graves passed away peacefully June 19th with his family by his side. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2014.
He was born in Seattle on July 29, 1945, to Everett and Dorothy Graves. His parents divorced after a year and Rich lived on and off with both parents. His early childhood was spent with his father who was in the military. Among the many places they lived was in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge LA, and finally ended up in Merced CA. Rich had two half brothers and two half sisters. He didn’t get along with his step mother, so went back to Seattle to live with his grandparents, Ray and Gladys Weitz. He considered them his mom and dad. They raised him well. After graduating from Cleveland High school in 1963, he spent a year in the U.S.Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Richard joined the USMC in 1966 where he served proudly including a tour of duty in Viet Nam. He married his high school sweet heart, Judith Alonzo, in 
1967. After his Vietnam duty,they were stationed in North Carolina one year and South Carolina one year.
While in North Carolina he received a phone call that his father was killed piloting his private plane looking for friends in distress. It was hard to believe since he flew for years in the military.
Finally, Rich and Judith got back to Seattle in 1970 to Beacon Hill where they lived for many years until moving to Maple Valley, Washington in 2013.
Rich spent most of his career in sales. His last job was at Application Specialties Inc. in Auburn. Rich was an avid reader, loved to golf and fish. Enjoyed spending time with his brother-in-laws, fishing and golfing. Oh the stories are unforgettable. Loved his sister-in-laws and all the nieces and nephews. He considered them his family. Lots of fun times they had around the dinner table during birthday parties. He kept in touch with his high school buddies and had many fond memories of them.
Survivors include his wife, Judith of 48 years and his Aunt Norma Alkire and step father, Jim Hawkes. He was preceded in death by Ray and Gladys Weitz, Everett Graves, Dorothy Jefferson, and just recently, June 25, Uncle Ray Hendrickson.
Memorials to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Hospice or VFW 9430.
Service at Tahoma National Cemetery July 8, at 11 a.m. Reception following at Water Garden Community Center, 21808 SE 275th St, Maple Valley, WA.
13 Responses to “Richard Ray Graves”
Leave a Reply
Please be respectful. Disrespectful comments will not be published
When you have successfully submitted a comment, look in the space above to see your comment.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
If you do not see your comment, click HERE
Went to Cleveland with Judy and Rich. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are sent to you in your time of sorrow. RIP Rich.
So hard to say good bye to our brother-in-law, friend, and thoughtful and devoted uncle to Natalie, Marco, and Johnny. We miss you, and we hope you are having a great conversation with Dickens and Shakespeare. With love, Julie and Guerino. July 5, 2015
Went to school with Rich and Judy. Rich used to run with Rich Groznick, Buzz Rodriguez, and me. So sorry to hear this. Especially since my brother Dan Cabuco will be laid to rest July 6th. Rich was a good friend in school and I’m happy that I got to reconnect with him just before they moved. RIP Rich….
My sincere condolences to Judy.
I have many fond memories of my brother-in-law. Many memories around the dinner table at moms with all the family. I will miss his kindness, sly smile and sense of humor. Grateful to him for serving our country in Viet Nam. He will truly be missed.
I was a class mate of Rich and Judy. Rich was a great guy. I can remember going to his grand parents house on Beacon Hill and all the birds they had down stairs. He will be missed. RIP Rich
Rich and I rented an apartment together in our youth. I must have met Rich through his Cleveland HS buddies that I also hung with…like Mike Stewart, Bob Bauck, Larry Coonrod and others. Our apartment became a 7 night a week party-central for three months until we were evicted. What a time that was. Rich and I sadly lost track of each other but I still have many fond memories of him…his smile and sense of humor will be always remembered. Rest in peace Rich.
Paul
Many fond memories of Rich! Met Rich approximately 45 years ago at a favorite watering hole in the Rainer Valley. Our memories of Rich are that he lived life with much spirit and caring for the other guy. Our condolences go out to Judith and the entire family that is surely now missing a giant piece of their character.
Judy, You are in my prayers during this time of loss. Rich was a great friend in school. He will be missed by many.
Sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. I would stop by his house every weekday morning and carpool to our class at lake Union to become surveyors for the Coast and Geodetic Survey. Those were fun times.
RICH WAS A GREAT BROTHER IN-LAW . HE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR US…WORDS CAN’T DESCRIBE HOW MUCH WE ALL AND LOVED AND ADMIRED HIM. OUR FAMILY WILL MISS HIM SO MUCH..
LOVE YOU JANET,BRUCE AND FAMILY
I was so surprised and saddened to read about Rich’s passing. He was ways so cheerful and friendly during our years at Cleveland!
So sorry for your loss Judy. Take care and God bless
You.
Today we laid to rest our beloved Uncle Rich, what a beautiful service and tribute it was to you. We will miss your sense of humor, compassion, generosity and loyalty to our family. You were a father figure to all 14 nieces and nephews. Your legacy of our memories will live on forever.
Good-bye Uncle Rich, we miss you.
Love-Shelli
Today we buried our beloved Uncle Rich and what a beautiful service and tribute it was, he would of been so proud! We will miss your humor, your compassion, your loyalty to our family. You were a father figure to all 14 nieces and nephews, your legacy will live in our hearts forever. We miss you Uncle Rich.
Love-Shelli