Waverly Osborne Graves

1st Sgt. (ret) Waverly Osborne Graves of Sacramento, CA departed this life on February 12, 2023 at the Mather Airforce Base VA Hospital in Mather, CA. Mr. Graves was born in Petersburg, VA on March 19, 1929 to the late Mr. John A and Mrs. Rachel Clayton Graves.

Mr. Graves received his education in the Petersburg Public School System and graduated from the Peabody High School in 1947. He enacted his civic duty to defend his country as he proudly enlisted in the United States Army in August 1947. His impressive military career spanned over twenty-six years as he was honored with several awards and medals to include Marksman, Expert Rifleman, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), Good Conduct (6th Award), National Defense Service Award, Vietnam Service Medal and the Bronze Star. He did tours of duty in Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Germany. He was also stationed at Fort Lee, VA; Fort Leonard Wood, MO; Fort Lawson, WA; Fort Ord, CA; Fort Lewis, WA and Fort Riley, KS. On July 31, 1973, Mr. Graves retired from active military duty.

Upon retirement from the United States Army, Mr. Graves was employed by the Unified School District 475 in Junction City, Kansas for twenty-one years, retiring in June, 1994. While in Junction City he was a faithful and an active member of Morris Hill Chapel. He was also a member of the Historical Society of Junction City, VFW No. 8773, American Legion Post No. 0045, AUSA. For many years Mr. Graves served as a volunteer for The Food Bank of Geary County (Junction City, Kansas). In May 2010, he and his wife relocated to California to be near their children.

Mr. Graves was preceded in death by five brothers, Mr. Charles H. Clayton, Mr. Walter A. Graves, Mr. James E. Graves, Mr. Frank J. Graves and Mr. John H. Graves. Also preceded by his two sisters, Mrs. Ida Robertson Swope and Mrs. Wilhemina Graves Ellis Vaughan.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories his devoted wife of 71 years, Mrs. Shige Graves of Sacramento, CA; two sons Mr. Wade H. Graves (Joyce) of Suisun, CA and Mr. John T. Graves (Nicole) of Seattle, Washington; two daughters, Ms. Anita Y. Jones of Sacramento, Ca, and Ms. Vicky O. Graves of Walnut Creek, CA; one brother Mr. Gonzales Graves (Ardell) of Hopewell, VA; six grandchildren, Ms. LaVonn Y. Wilson of Torrance, CA, Mrs. Amber Jones Harvel (Wayne) of Sacramento, CA, Mr. Wade N. Graves of Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Mr. Andre Graves (Vanessa) of Castro Valley, CA, Mr. Joshua C. Graves of Scottsdale, AZ, Mr. Nicholas Graves, of Los Angeles, CA; two great-grandsons, Mr. Jeremiah C. Wilson and Mr. Noah Nacir Graves; one great-granddaughter, Ms. Ava Safiya Graves; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Emily Graves of Hopewell, VA and Mrs. Shizue O. Nakayama of Yokohama, Japan; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Interment with Military Honors will be in Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on May 4, 2023 at 1:30. Immediately after, a Celebration of Life will be held at the UC Davis Hyatt Place at 2:45. Arrangements entrusted to Trident Society.