DAVID LEE GRAVES
DAVID LEE GRAVES
David Lee Graves
May 10, 1976 – August 29, 2023
Companies F-4 and C-2
Born and raised in Mountain Brook, AL where he graduated Mountain Brook High School in 1994, Dave earned a nomination and appointment to attend West Point.
While at West Point, Dave was known as a true Southern Gentlemen who remained modest, humble, and friendly to all. He was a member of the Rifle and Infantry Tactics club, but his true passion was gathering with friends at his famous Christmas parties and over a cigar. He loved history, often traveling on weekends to battlefields and National Parks. Due to his uncompromised integrity, he was selected to serve on the Honor Committee Firstie year.
Earning his Bachelor’s degree in American Politics, Dave then branched into the Armor Corps following graduation, and following his initial training at Fort Knox, KY, was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana with the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, where he married Mary in 2002.
Dave transitioned to the U.S. Army Reserves in 2006 upon activation as a Civil Affairs officer. He deployed to Tikrit, Iraq as a Civil Affairs Team Leader, and later transitioned to the Active Reserves culminating in command and the rank of Colonel. His final assignment was the commander of the Army Material Command’s Army Reserve Element. Just prior to his passing, Dave passed command of the organization to a fellow classmate.
When he was not serving in the Reserves, Dave earned his Juris Doctorate from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in 2010, and worked as a Personal Injury attorney in Birmingham, Alabama where he earned the respect and admiration of many. In 2016, he was selected as a “Top 40 Under 40 National Trial Lawyers”. He remained active in the local VFW, American Legion and West Point Society.
Dave was well-known for his service to others, including serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Merit Badge Counselor with Boy Scout Troop 320 and spending precious time with his family.
Dave passed in Mountain Brook, AL and is survived by his wife, Mary Frances; children Julia, JT and Elene; parents, Renee and William Graves; sister, Elene Garrison; and brother, Chris.
Internment: Private Interment
