Demoree Alton Graves' Obituary
Reflections of Life
Demoree Alton (Al) Graves was born on July 11, 1944 in Wichita, Kansas to Clint and Catherine Graves. He was the second born of ten children.
Al graduated from San Diego High School where he participated on the wrestling and track teams. He entered the Navy upon graduation and was stationed in Hawaii for his entire 4 year stent. He was a Bosun’s mate2
Al moved across the street from his wife Linda when he was 11 years old. A childhood friendship lead to a romance during their teen years and blossomed into a 52 year marriage. Two children were born to this union Monique LaFray Graves and Angelia LeAnne Graves-Sam.
When Al returned home from the Navy he worked in construction. During this time he took a Lock Smith course and upon graduation he went to work to for a local Lock company. In 1975 Al and Linda started Budget Lock and Key which was one of the first black owned locksmith company’s in San Diego and remained until retirement in 2015.
The family has actively attended Chollas View United Methodist Church since 1972.
Al was an avid ocean fisherman and went as often as he could He was known on the fishing boat for saying, “It’s Huge”. He also named himself and was recognized by the other players as “The Domino Ledgend” (mind you he was very good ). Al’s warm and welcoming smile set people at ease. He was fun loving and was well like by many. Al was infamous for his peanut butter cookies, carrot cake and monkey bread. A few of his creative talents includes: making flower pots from bath towels, to making wine and creating many types of art projects. He had a way of seeing things in his minds eye and then creating them.
Al is preceded in death by: Clint & Catherine Graves (Parents) Sisters: Brenda Graves, Lolita Graves, Sandra Graves and Ollie Lee, Brothers: Cleotha Young, and Nathan Young.
Our family has been blessed to have four generations to celebrate together. Al leaves to cherish his memories: Children – Monique Graves and Angelia Graves-Sam, Grandchildren – Alexus and Davonte Scott, Jazmine Roberts, Kyra Roberts, Kenneth Sam, Kendrick Sam, Jerome Bennette Roberts. Great Grandchildren - Kaylee Gaskill, Amaree Wallace, Ky-Niea Scott, LaShanette Scott and Alani Knox. Brother—Clint Graves, Sisters - Patricia Wade and Elnora Hunter as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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