Gary was born to Donald and Martha Graves on February 9, 1955 in Millington, TN. Being born into a military family provided Gary with the opportunity and experience to grow up traveling the world. Eventually, he and his family were stationed in Montgomery, AL at Gunter Air Force Base, where Gary attended and graduated from Lee High School in 1968. After graduating, Gary attended a trade school where he specialized in carpentry. In doing so, he quickly developed a passion and unique skill for wood carving where it was obvious, he had a natural and creative touch. He later joined the Montgomery Police Department which launched his career in law enforcement. While working with the Montgomery Police Department he met his first wife, Jaqueline O. Graves. They brought two children into the world; Elliott W. Graves and Harrison L. Graves. After being with the Montgomery Police Department for greater than 10 years, Gary decided to leave and begin working as an investigator for Montgomery's District Attorney's Office for several years before switching to driving trucks internationally. After being out of public service for many years, Gary made the decision to rejoin law enforcement but with the Prattville Police Department. In 1999 Gary experienced the sudden and unexpected loss of his wife, Jaqueline, to a car accident. Gary then succeeded while he navigated life as a single father to two young children for many years. While working with the Prattville Police department, Gary worked in the computer forensic unit. He earned his Sergeants badge after many dedicated years of public service. During this time he met Anita S. Graves and they married in 2013. Gary spent the remainder of his career with the Prattville Police Department and retired after 20+ years as Sergeant Gary L. Graves in 2017.

Gary L. Graves enjoyed traveling, sailboats, the mountains, being outdoors, creating personalized wood carvings, taking beautiful pictures, listening to James Taylor, admiring and managing his aquarium, flying airplanes with his son Harrison, spending time with his grandson, and loving on his dog Tucker.

Gary L. Graves an amazing son, father and grandfather is preceded in death by Donald W. Graves (father), Jaqueline O. Graves (wife), Anita S. Graves (wife) and Elliott W. Graves (son). Gary is survived and remembered by his mother Martha J. Graves, son Harrison Graves (Catherine and Barrett), sister Donna Bucholz (Dave), niece Cassie Le (Duc and Duc II), nephew Justin Schumacher (Kate, Enoch and Seraphim) along with countless family and friends.

The family invites the public to a celebration of life honoring Gary L. Graves which will take place Friday, August 18, 2023 at Leak Memory Chapel. All are invited and welcomed to the viewing and visitation that will be held at 10:00am, with the service being in the Chapel at 11:00am and immediately followed by graveside in Greenwood Cemetery.