Thomas Lee "Tommy" Graves
September 10, 1947 ~ October 26, 2017
Thomas (Tommy) Lee Graves, 70 of Gilbert, AZ formerly from Leonardtown, MD passed away on October 26, 2017 in Gilbert, AZ. Born on September 10, 1947 in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Violet Lucy Norris Graves, and Richard Harold Graves. Tommy is survived by his wife Darlene Patricia Hammett Graves, whom he married on June 9, 1979 in Holy Angels Catholic Church Avenue, MD. Tommy is survived by his children; Rebecca Powell (Pete) of Gilbert, AZ, Ricky Graves (Jenna) of Gilbert, AZ, and 4 grandchildren; Sydney, Shane, Sasha Powell and Connor Graves. He was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey Michael Graves, siblings; Joseph Harold Graves, and John Franklin Graves. He was a 1966 graduate of Chopticon High School. Tommy served in the United States Air Force from May 29, 1967 to May 28, 1971. While serving in the United States Air Force, he served a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1969.
Tommy was an AC/Refrigeration Equipment Mechanic for the Federal Government for 33 years, retiring in December 2003. He was a member of the Maryland Color Guard for several years, and was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 2632 in California, MD.
The family will receive friends on Friday, November 10, 2017 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be private.
Contributions may be made to the Leonardtown Vol. Rescue Squad P.O. Box 299 Leonardtown, MD 20650 and or SMAWL (St. Mary’s County Animal Welfare League) P.O. Box 1232 Leonardtown, MD 20650.
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Not only a family member but a great friend for over 50 years.. Rest in peace Tommy. You will be missed brother.
Tommy was the most easy going person you could ever meet. He was my brother and my friend. I will miss him terribly.
He knew where he was going. He had his key to the kingdom for many years. I am sure your faith will sustain you Darlene. I love you and wish you peace and God’s blessings for you and your family.
Darlene and Family…You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Tommy has earned his reward and we must find a way to go on without him. He was such a fun guy. May your memories sustain you during this difficult time. Tommy will always be with you and he will be watching over you. May God Bless you now and always.
Darlene and family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of sorrow. May you take comfort in the many wonderful and happy memories that all of you created and shared with Tommy.
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Tommy. May he rest in peace. May memories of him sustain you and provide you comfort. I pray in the days, weeks, and months ahead the tears are replaced with fond memories and peace. God bless.
Our sincerest sympathy to Darlene and all the family too. Be assured of our love, thoughts and prayers.
Our sincerest sympathy to Darlene and all the family too. Be assured of our love, thoughts and prayers.
Darlene: I’ll always remember the wonderful support and care you and Tommy gave Johnny on the trips to Washington Hospital Center in the Ambulance. Our County Emergency Services Group and the citizens were fortunate to have the two of you for the years you were here in St. Mary’s. My sincere condolences on the loss of such a great man who gave so much time, effort and talent to so many.
So sorry for your loss. I went to school with Tommy and graduated with him.
Dear Darlene, Becky, Ricky and family,
My deepest sympathy. Tommy will be greatly missed. I hope the many wonderful memories you’ve shared bring you comfort in this most difficult time.
Fondly,
Julie
Rest in Peace & Thank You for your military service, as well as your time serving in the Leonardtown Vol. Rescue Squad back when it was known as the 3rd & 6th District Vol. Rescue Squad. You will always be remembered for your dedication.
George Kennett
Past President LVRS 1985
Darlene and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear about Tommy. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you, Becky, Ricky and family. With our sympathy and love, Sharon & Jim
Words cannot describe how sorry we are for the Graves family’s loss. God blessed us all to have such a fantastic man touch all of our lives! Tommy will surely be missed by his family and friends! The Lord gained another angel! Prayers to Darlene and her family! I feel blessed to have Tommy, he was a great person, very kind and thoughtful!
Darlene, Always in our thoughts. Take care!
Darlene and family sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all. Tommy was a nice man with a big heart. We are happy to know you are living close to your family. Prayers to you all!