John W Graves

On February 24, 2021, John W. Graves Jr. quietly and peacefully departed this life. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 12:00 pm in the Family First Funeral Care chapel with Minister Christopher Saulsberry officiating. Burial with full Military Honors will follow Monday, March 8, 2021 in the Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.
John was born August 19, 1953 in Shreveport, LA to John and Mary Ann Graves. John went on to serve in the United States Navy and was stationed in Pensacola, FL. He served aboard the Lexington, at which time he was led to Christ by Robert Leonard and became a member of the Church of Christ. 
He married and his journey in life took him to Houston, TX. He moved to San Antonio TX where he worked for the San Antonio Express News. From there he moved to Maryland spending several years with the Washington Post. Of the many places that John’s life took him, one thing that remains constant was his great love for the church. He spent a lot of time with his friends and the children as they greatly loved him also.
 After meeting the love of his life, Velma Troupe, he moved to Tampa FL where they were married. He was employed by Raymond James & Associates. Over time their life brought them to Dothan AL, where he was employed by the United States Postal Service, and spent the remainder of his years. 
He was preceded in death by both his parents. He leaves behind one special person, his beloved and most cherished, Velma Graves, who was his wife, devoted caregiver and best friend. 
He also leaves to cherish his memory, his brother, Paul Graves 
(Sharon), sister, Elizabeth Gasphard (Greg), children Andrea Harness (Wesley), Erika Chavez (Joshua), Chad Graves, Bryan Troupe 
(Jessica), Jeffrey Troupe, Bridgett Troupe, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends and beloved brethren.  John had a profound love for music and singing, he could always strike a tune on his keyboard to the very end.

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