Ray Graves Obituary

Coach Graves was a great life lesson to be around. I was fortunate to receive his contact information about 2 weeks ago. We talked for about a half hour from everything from basketball to grandkids. I will forever cherish that last conversation.

I was a senior on the first Chicora team Coach Graves coached.To say that he was an influence in my life would be a huge understatement. He was ,in fact, the single most influential person in my life. In that one (1) short year he taught us the fundamentals of the game and how to compete on the court. Much more importantly, he taught us how to compete in LIFE (win more that you lose and learn from both). Be humble and keep things "in perspective".
After graduating from Chicora, I had the opportunity to get an education and to play basketball at the College of Charleston. Coach offered to work with me during the summer of '61. He spent 4-5 days a week (not exaggerating) teaching me basketball in a very warm Chicora gym. He drilled me until I got it right. Believe me, he would let you know when it wasn't right. He gave up his time for me. Without him, I would not have been able to play college basketball.
We have stayed in touch over the years. Fortunately, I was able to talk to him a month or so ago. I knew he wasn't well but you would not know that from our conversation. I thought he was going to make me run laps! The same old Coach.
I am just one person. I cannot imagine how many peoples' lives he has touched.
What a great man. I will miss you COACH!!
God bless Linda and the family.

Linda and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Ray was an absolutely wonderful person. Although we miss our loved one's dearly, we can take solace in knowing they are being welcomed into heaven with open arms. I am sure the Graves brothers have a lot of catching up to do. Although, I was closest to Keith, I know Gene, Don, and Ray were just as special. And knowing they are together makes the heaviness a little lighter. Love and prayers your way.
Missie Hollman
(Ruthie's daughter)

Coach Graves was such a nice caring person, He taught one of my classes at Chicora High. Prayers for his family and friends.

My family lived on the same street as Coach and Mrs Graves. They lived in a little house down from us. I was maybe 7 or 8 yrs old. I'd see them get in their VW-I'd run to get my basketball and dribble it in the driveway-making sure he could see me as they passed...thinking he might always be scouting for future talent. Funny looking back on the dream.

Coach Graves was a positive role model for me . I was on the first Chicora team he coached in 1960-61. I loved his enthusiasm and intensity for the game of basketball. He brought out talent in us we didn´t know we had. His coaching style was to enjoy a win and learn from a loss. We learned a lot that year. Coach will missed by many and especially me. May you Rest In Peace.

Praying for his family what a great guy he was a great gym teacher I had in elementary school rest in peace

from a deeply saddened teammate, classmate and close friend . we have the memory of the ready smile and the basketball accomplishments to cherish.

We had such a wonderful team of friends and Administrators at Buckeye Valley. We became lifetime friends. Linda we share in your grief. Brad, Magda, and Lew are welcoming him home. His struggle is over.
Angie and I hope you will find peace and grace during this challenging time.

Ray was a special person in so many people's lives. Don has so many wonderful memories of the years playing basketball and growing up spending time with the Graves family. Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We send our love , Connie and Don

So sorry for your loss Linda. Ray is such an incredible man, I´ll certainly miss his laugh. Thinking of you in the days to come.

Thankfully, before Ray passed, Doug Spencer and I were able to travel to Pandora and videotape a "bedside induction presentation" officially welcoming Ray as the FIRST OFFICIAL MEMBER of the St Marys HS Basketball HOF. We will be able to share this induction video on our new gym video board on Jan 8th, 2022 (during the inaugural HOF ceremony), so that all SM fans can share in the honoring of one of SM greatest players.
RIP, Ray---you showed that Citadel Bulldog toughness during your long battle w Parkinson's (Coach "Stormin Normin" Sloan would have been proud of that grit that he drilled into you at the Citadel)----thanks for sharing your bball memories with me and with future Roughriders as well---I will always treasure my many hours in Pandora just "talking basketball" w you------I can assure that you will not be forgotten, my friend----you will always be our original HOF'er!!!

A sweet man. A fellow classmate at Citadel. Watched his great basketball play for four years and roomed nearby. Condolences to all the Graves family.

Linda and family, my deepest sympathy and prayers to you all. Fond memories of Ray at The Citadel. May God Bless you all. Ann