Richard C Graves

Graveside services for Richard Clanton Graves, 82, of Porter, Texas will be held at 10:00am on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Timpson, Texas, officiated by Bro. Jason Lott. Mr. Graves passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Porter, Texas. He was born on July 15, 1943, in Silsbee, Texas to the late James Richard and Golda Mae (Williams) Graves.

Richard led an exceptional life. Without formal education, although he did receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Colorado, he worked his way through three engineering disciplines to become a program manager on the team that repaired the Hubble Space Telescope. During high school, Richard wrote a book report on diving and became intrigued in learning the craft. He purchased all his equipment and taught himself to dive at Lake Travis, Texas. He went on to become a professional diver, graduating from the Diving Academy in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He worked building piers, oil rigs, and bridges in the Port Authur area. He was so successful with his diving, he paid cash for his 1964 Ford Mustang. He shared so many interesting stories that is son, Brad, convinced him to publish a book “Hindsight 20/20.” Richard wrote the entire book on his iPhone after two brain surgeries and five bouts with cancer.

Richard loved his wife, Rita, and missed her dearly after her passing in 2017. He never missed an opportunity to share her picture and tell their love story that spanned over 51 amazing years.

Richard was drafted into the Air Force in May of 1964. He served proudly as an electrical technician who worked on the inertial navigation system of the F-4 fighter during Vietnam from 1964-68. Richard was a member of Disabled Vietnam Veterans, Masons, and Shriners. He enjoyed fishing, watching football, anything engineering, and having 42 monthly gatherings with his buddies.

Richard’s moto for life was “Be for something, not against it.” That moto has been instilled in his children and grandchildren’s lives as well. Richard was a smart and loving family man. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Richard is survived by his children, Ginger (Graves) Chapin and husband, Eddie, and Brad Graves and Traci Deskin; grandchild, Gannan Graves; and great-grandchild, Grayson Graves.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Rita; his father, JR Graves; and mother, Golda Mae.

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