David Allen Graves, age 77, passed away peacefully Monday, March 24, 2025, at his residence in Brady, Texas. David was born on February 10, 1948, in San Angelo, Texas to Allen Graves and Mary (Bailey) Graves. David joined the U.S. Army 2 days after his 17th birthday. He served honorably in Vietnam, receiving the Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. After being discharged from the Army, David attended the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Academy. Upon graduation in 1968, he was stationed in Brady, where he proudly served until his retirement in 1995. While serving the public, he received the “Director’s Citation” from the state of Texas to recognize outstanding service and bravery. After retirement, he served one term as McCulloch County Constable. David married Jamye Slone on April 17, 1990, in Brady. One of David’s greatest passions was golf. He was an avid golfer and played golf every chance he had. He also owned and operated Graves Repair Service. He could fix anything; however, he concentrated on repairing golf carts and golf clubs. He was a true outdoorsman and enjoying hunting. He served as a board member of the Brady Golf Association for two terms and also served as President for one. He was also an avid coin collector. He was a doting father and grandfather, a job he dearly loved.
Funeral services, with military honors, for David Graves will be at 2:00pm Friday, March 28, 2025, at Leatherwood Memorial Chapels in Brady with Bryan Shipman (David’s nephew) officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Leatherwood Memorial Chapels. Friends may view and/or sign David’s online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels.com. Honorary pallbearers will be Curtis Owens, Barry Owens, Jimmy Williamson, Eddie Cox, Roy Short, Eddie Sayles, Seth Bozeman, Jay May, Larry Sawyer and Marcus Solis.
David is survived by his loving wife, Jamye Graves; son Kevin Graves and wife Sue; daughters Kristi Graves and Amanda Woodall and husband Todd; brother Michael Graves; sister Sandra Nolan and husband Jim; grandchildren Heather LaChance, Misti Ramirez, Jacob Zapata, Jessica Bates, Shi-Ann Hampton and husband Quay, Karissa Bartholomew and husband Ryan, Addison Parker and husband Karson and Kolby Woodall; great-grandchildren Jayden Ramirez, Jakobi LaChance, Stella Ramirez, Gracelynn Ramirez, Whitlea Estes, Chael Estes, Camden Ortiz, Emory Hampton, Colson Hampton and Rylee Bartholomew; numerous beloved nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial contributions in memory of David Allen Graves may be made to the Brady Golf Association.