Vannie Graves

Vannie Alton Graves, 77, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and child of God, died Thursday, November 30, 2017.\r\n \r\nFollowing a career as a coach, teacher, athletic director, special education director and principal in New Mexico, he returned to the classroom in Kerrville, coordinating and then teaching special education students at Tivy High School. He retired in 2007.\r\n \r\nVannie was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He attended New Mexico Military Institute where, as a member of the 1958 NMMI National Junior College Championship football team, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The 1958 football team had a historic record of achievement as the only team from there to win the NJCAA National Junior College Championship and to be the only undefeated, un-tied team in the school's history.\r\n \r\nVannie continued on to Eastern New Mexico University, playing on their varsity football teams from 1959 to 1961 (Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity), and later receiving his Master of Education in Special Education there.\r\n \r\nHe is survived by his wife, Paulette N. Graves; his children, Tol A. Graves (wife Carole) of Chandler, AZ, Tiffeni Graves-Cywinski of Sherman Oaks, CA, Treigh Graves Mulvaney of San Diego, CA, Tyson S. Graves and Travis S. Graves, both of Staunton, VA; and 7 grandchildren, Tanner, Tristan, Irelyn, Peighton, Skylar, Traxton, and Lincoln. Sister-in-law, Kay Graves of North Richland Hills, TX, and brother-in-law Joel V. Reitzer (wife Judith) of Fernandina Beach, FL also survive, as well as nieces and nephew, Karee Daniel, April Roark, and Jason Reitzer; uncle, Houston (Hootie) Lambert; many cousins and friends.\r\n \r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred A. Graves-Arrington and Charles (Tuffy) Graves; and brother, Foy Dean Graves. \r\n \r\nVisitation will be at Grimes Funeral Chapels on Sunday, December 3, from 3:00-5:00pm. A memorial service in witness to the Resurrection and in celebration of Vannie's life will be at 1:00pm on Monday, December 4 in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Kerrville, with the Rev. Rob Lohmeyer officiating. Following the worship service, all attending are invited to a reception in FPC Ryan Hall.\r\n