Gene was born in Columbia, S.C. on November 14, 1935. He spent his summers on his grandparents' farm along with his aunts, uncles and cousins. This is where he learned his work ethic and his generosity. He manned the farm and plowed the fields behind a mule. It was also during the depression and his grandmother would feed the starving people passing through looking for work with the vegetables they grew. The farm is also where Gene acquired his love of nature, common sense and his quick wit. Eventually, he would buy his own farm that he truly loved, it brought him back to "his roots."

At 13, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida with his parents and 3 siblings. Here, he began to experience some trouble, so his mother approached the Landon High School football coach and asked him to take Gene under his wing. Thus began his spectacular football career as a center and a linebacker, as well as kicking and punting. He received many accolades and honors. As captain his senior year, he was named All State and All American. He was named MVP in the All American game in Memphis. Upon graduation, he was inundated with college football scholarships, including, University of Florida, Tennessee, and Notre Dame. Coach Dick Jones from the University of Florida ultimately won his heart and his mind. They became instant friends and remained so until Coach Jones died. The coach even introduced Gene to his future wife, Mickey, while attending college. In 1959, Gene graduated with a degree in business administration and began a successful career with Jacksonville Paper Company. His sales abilities were unmatched. He became known as "The Legend" in paper sales. The company asked him to write a piece on what makes a good salesman, he refused saying, you're either born with it, or you're not.

In 1962, Gene was offered a new territory in Northwest Florida and decided to move his family to Gulf Breeze. When he asked what, exactly, was his territory, he was told the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and Canada.

In 1972 he was approached by his dear friend, Tom White, to open a printing company. Gene became a silent partner in what is now Tom White the Printer. In 1975 Tom died, so Gene took over the business and it began to thrive. He had a very strong business mind with good instincts and insight, therefore he was very well respected. Gene was always very fair and generous and accessible to his employees. He truly believed in a hand-up not a hand-out! He was truly loved by his employees and it showed by their loyalty and the quality of the work going out the door.

His success with Tom White the Printer, allowed Gene to branch out to other ventures. Gene along with 5 other investors acquired 92 acres down Highway 98 in Gulf Breeze. They developed what is now Whisper Bay. It was his idea to leave the trees in the road and he personally dug the lake. Whisper Bay became one of the most beautiful and desirable neighborhoods in Gulf Breeze.

Gene was also an integral part of the development of the Bank of Pensacola, with Bo Carter. The bank was very successful as a home town bank and was eventually sold to Synovus Bank.

Gene was preceded in death by his son, David Scott Graves; his brother, Ronald Edward Graves; his parents, Alexander George Graves and Jessie Chappell McDowell.

He is survived by his wife, Mary(Mickey) L. Graves; his daughter, Dana Helen Graves; his granddaughter, Gena Luisa Ramos and his 2 sisters, Marie Masters and Ann Riley as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the funeral service begins at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery.

The family would also like to acknowledge and thank his loving and selfless caregiver, Amber Nicholson. She was truly a godsend and a blessing! She truly loved and cared for him! Thank You, Amber!!

Active Pallbearers will be: Ronnie Graves, Jr., John Graves, Clifford Masters, Joe Tuttle, Artie McGraw and Ricky Adams.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Wayne Campbell, Jackie Simpson, Andy Gurene and David Freeman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Family Service, 1901 N. Palafox St. Pensacola, Fl.  32501 or a charity of your choice.