Ray Graves' Obituary
Ray Graves was born in Seattle, Washington on February 23, 1924, to Ralph R. and Naomi Capron Graves. Shortly after birth the family moved to Pe Ell, Washington, where Ray attended public school and spent the first 18 years of his life. Ray enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 and served during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. In 1946 he married Joan C. Kikkert of Columbus, Montana, they were married for 55 years.
After marrying Joan, Ray attended Washington State University where he received a BA in Political Science. Following WSU, he entered the Duke University School of Law where he became the editor of Law Review (Duke Bar Journal) and graduated with distinction in 1952 receiving the degree of Juris Doctor.
After graduation from Law School, Ray entered the private practice of law in Tacoma, Washington, where he continued practicing for 55 years, retiring in 2007. He was one of the founders of the law firm McGavick Graves, P.S. Throughout his career, he practiced in a wide range of legal matters in the United States as well as Mexico and Europe. He was an active trial lawyer for 50 years, practicing in both the state and federal courts. He served for 8 years as one of the state’s bar (law) examiners, preparing and administering tests to aspiring young lawyers.
During his marriage to Joan, they enjoyed numerous trips to Europe and winters in their home in Mexico with their daughter Valerie and son Jon. Ray and Joan also enjoyed many years on their ranch near McCleary. Joan passed in 2002.
In addition to his law practice, Ray was an active real estate developer in the 1960’s and 1970’s. He was an owner of several local businesses.
In 2004, Ray and Janice Myers Browne of Lakewood were married and they continued to live in Lakewood wintering in Rancho Mirage, California. Both loved to travel and they made many memorable trips to Europe and throughout North America.
Ray was the author of a number of legal publications and several books, notably “Washington’s Historical Courthouses”. Three other books he authored dealt with the local histories of communities in Southwest Washington.
Over the years, Ray was a director and active in a number of civic and fraternal organizations. He was a longtime member of the Tacoma Country Club and one of its past presidents.
Ray is survived by his loving wife, Janice, his daughter Valerie, son Jon and his wife Denise, as well as six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Inurnment at Tahoma National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to; www.cougarathleticfund.com, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org. or, Tacoma Rescue Mission at www.bridgestohope.org.
Please join us for a "Celebration of Life Well Lived" on Tuesday, December 19th at The Tacoma Country and Golf Club at 3:30pm.
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