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.