James Herman Gravett

James "Rock" Herman Gravett James "Rock" Herman Gravett, 61, of 1709 South Street, Danville, VA, passed away Friday, August 23, 2013, surrounded by his loving family at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. He was born November 14, 1951, in Danville, to the late Mary Tapley Gravett and the late James Thomas Gravett. He is survived by his wife, Doris Coleman Gravett of the residence. Mr. Gravett retired from Goodyear following 30 years of service; he also sold Nationwide Insurance for a number of years. He played college football for North Carolina Central University. He loved checking his investments and playing the stock market. Mr. Gravett also enjoyed playing golf, gardening, and cooking - especially grilling out. In addition to his wife, Mr. Gravett is survived by his daughters, Lisa Cheek (William) of Greensboro, NC, Jewel Gravett, Jamie Lea (Demond), and Jennifer Gravett, all of Danville; his special daughter, Shawn Gunter of Danville; his godson, Darrell Fitzgerald of Danville; his sisters, Gloria Whitten (Dan) of East Orange, NJ, Ann Alston, and Sabrina Pritchett (Sam), both of Danville; his brothers-in-law, James Womack (Laverne) of Reidsville, NC, Marvin Womack (Patricia) of Greensboro, Darryl Womack (Sharon) of Eden, NC, Melvin Womack (Tammy) of Reidsville, Donald Womack (Sonya) of Oklahoma, Lewis Womack of Maryland, Ellis Womack (Ann) of South Carolina, and Harvey Coleman (Lula) of Danville; his sisters-in-law, Ernestine Snydor and Esther Bowman (William) of Danville, Michelle Womack (Timmy) of Eden, and Thelma Womack (Ben) of Maryland; his grandchildren, Avionne Wiles, Aviana Wiles, Jabali Gravett, Tyree Gravett, DeKimbe Lea, Chyna Gravett, Kyra Alexander, Demonte Alexander, and Demond Alexander Jr.; his best friends, Ronald Scott, Rodger Poteat, Fred Malone, and Claude Richardson; his football team from his days at NCCU; as well as several nieces and nephews - including special nephew, Stephen Bowman; and a host of friends. Mr. Gravett was predeceased by his brother, Billy Berman Gravett. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Danville with the Rev. Jeffery Millner officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 27, 2013, from 6 until 7:30 p.m. at Norris Funeral Services, Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, and at other times at the residence. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be made to the Danville Life Saving Crew, 202 Christopher Lane, Danville, VA 24541. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, is respectfully serving the Gravett family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.