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BORN
1918
DIED
2015
Ray Graves Obituary
The school said Graves died in the Tampa area. Former Florida coach and current South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, who won the 1966 Heisman Trophy when Graves coached the team, called him a "tremendous influence."
"After my mother and dad, Coach Graves had the biggest influence on my life," Spurrier said. 'I am so thankful for him."
Spurrier spoke to Graves on Thursday and "had a chance to tell him I love him, and I sincerely thank him for the influence he had on me."
Florida went 70-31-4 in 10 seasons under Graves, including a 9-1-1 mark in 1969.
Graves spent the next 20 years as the school's athletic director, helping usher in the Title IX era and creating plans to build the O'Connell Center.
"You can't put into words what he has meant to the Gator Nation and the countless lives he has touched from his players, coaches, friends and family," Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said. "Like many others, I was fortunate to have a personal relationship with him and will be forever grateful for our time together."
Graves played football at Tennessee, where he was team captain in 1941. After a brief stint with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, Graves embarked on a coaching career in 1944 at his alma mater.
He later spent 13 seasons at Georgia Tech, working under coach Bobby Dodd before Florida hired him as 14th football coach in school history in January 1960.
Graves instantly made an impact, leading the Gators to a 9-2 record in his first season and a Gator Bowl victory over Baylor. In one of the most memorable wins of his career, Graves defeated Dodd and Georgia Tech 18-17 in only his third game as Florida's coach.
Graves was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
After stepping down as Florida's athletic director in January 1979, Graves served as a consultant for Steinbrenner Enterprises in Tampa and for the Jacksonville Bulls of the United States Football League.
He retired in 1989 and lived in the Tampa Bay area.
Graves is survived by his wife Opal Richardson and three daughters.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
55 Entries
jim Witt
July 7, 2017
Truly a great man. J Witt
jim witt
July 7, 2017
Coach Graves coached my uncle Jack Redding no.19 at tenn. in 1944 who played in the rose bowl in 1945. While at Florida my older brother made an official visit there. He said that Jack Redding could run the week side sweep out of the single wing better that any one he had ever coached.
Anthony Battaglia
November 15, 2015
I grew up watching you Coach the Gators. You were the greatest. You made Gator Football what it is today. Rest in Peace...Go Gators!!!
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Patrick McEnroe
October 5, 2015
A great man, great coach. He gave me my first campus job at Georgia Tech in 1955 when I was a Freshman Co-Op student trying to work my way through college. He went on to become a great coach at Florida, and was a life long friend of Bobby Dodd. I'm just one of thousands whose life he made better. God has rewarded you, Coach Graves, and I thank you for helping me back then. I never will forget you.
Dale/Donna Hutcherson
June 10, 2015
We just saw the pics from the memorial service. We weren't able to attend as Dale had a stroke in October and, although he's doing very well, we needed to be at speech therapy. You look wonderful and we heard it was a heartwarming service. Saw a pic of Peggy Eaton, too, and don't have contact info for her so please pass along our warm regards. Blessings to you and your family, Donna and Dale
Nancy Frank
June 2, 2015
I'm so sorry, Opal, Becky, Katherine & Beth, I didn't know. Coach was such a big hearted man, and will be missed by everyone who knew him.
You're all in my heart, I love you all. Teddy
Donna Abbott
April 23, 2015
Katherine, so sorry for the loss of your father. My prayers are with you and your family.
Donna Plunkett
April 22, 2015
Katherine, I was so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. You will always be dear to my heart. Please accept my kind condolences.
L K
April 21, 2015
April 21
GONE! but not forgotten. Those God keeps in His memory they become precious in His eyes. Ecc. 9:5 I am sorry for your loss.
Wayne & Melissa McDaniel
April 21, 2015
He was our Coach but most of all he was our friend and will always be an integral part of our family and our life; God Bless Coach, Opal and the Graves Family......Wayne McDaniel
Norm Carlson
April 21, 2015
I was fortunate to meet Coach Graves in Atlanta while writing for the Atlanta Journal and covering Georgia Tech football, where he was an assistant coach under Bobby Dodd. I left Atlanta to become SID at Auburn in 1959, and Coach Graves left Tech to become head football coach at UF in l963. He called and told me to come "home" to Florida as SID. I have been there since, a period of over 53 years. Coach Graves gave me a free hand to run the department and the budget to get things accomplished. He loved his players and treated them like they were sons for the remainder of his life. The "Silver Sixties" group, guided by Gene Peek, is the most close-knit group in UF history and still holds a yearly convention in Crystal River.
Sylvia and I love him like a father and will miss his friendship and help.
Rest in peace Coach Graves.
Norm and Sylvia Carlson
Tom Kelley
April 21, 2015
It was the great privilege of all of us on our 1960 Gator Team to have Coach Graves as our new Coach! He was a fine , kind person who always looked out for his players.He & Opal were a fine example for all of us. Tom & Carol Kelley
John Dent
April 21, 2015
my experience at Florida enhanced by Ray
still carries great memories but as a player and fishing with Ray and Opal in the Florida Keys years after graduation. My prayers are with Opal and his family.
Vic Miranda
April 21, 2015
Coach Graves was the best thing that happened to me at the UF. He gave a second chance to get my life on the right track.I look forward to the day when we will meet again.
My beautiful, God-chosesn wife, Kay.
John Whatley
April 21, 2015
"Coach Graves" is how I remember him. I owe him and his fellow coaches an unpaid debt for helping direct my life into its God-given path.
I now know more about him from his obituary than I knew about him when I played. He was a soft-spoken, strong leader during the 1960s. I fondly remember my surprise when he selected me for his "Ray Graves All-Decade Team". I suppose he knew something about me I didn't know about myself. But that is how he was to most of his players: quiet, unassuming, and a caring leader.
Randy Warbritton
April 21, 2015
Coach Graves and his sweet wife Opal were ALWAYS the people your parents hoped would be in charge of your kids . What a joy and pleasure it was to have played under his coaching and teachings
Marnie, Zachery, Riley, Mike, Rori, Sam, Linda, Tom
Thomas Twitty
April 20, 2015
Condolences from the entire Thomas Twitty family. RIP Ray, a Gator Forever..
Jon MacBeth
April 18, 2015
I was honored to play under him. He was a great coach on and off the field. He made a major difference in my life.
Honest Jon MacBeth, Fullback 1960 team,
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Billy DeVore
April 16, 2015
Coach Graves is a true cornerstone in our Gator Nation. May God's comfort continue to Opal, his family, friends and the Gator Nation during this difficult time. Cherish your many memories from his long long life.
R. L. (Buddy) Patey
April 16, 2015
MRS OPAL AND FAMILY, WHAT A GREAT COACH AND WONDERFUL MAN!!! AS AN SEC FOOTBALL OFFICIAL FOR 20 YEARS, I HAD THE GREAT PRIVILEGE TO OFFICIATE NUMEROUS FLORIDA GAMES WHEN HE WAS THE HEAD COACH (INCLUDING THE 1967 ORANGE BOWL (WHEN STEVE SPURRIER WAS THE QB AND HEISMAN WINNER). THEY BEAT COACH DODD AND GA. TECH (ANOTHER FINE MAN)!!! AS OFFICIALS ARE ALWAYS TO BE PROFESSIONAL - STILL, WE CAN BECOME FRIENDS WITH A GREAT MAN LIKE COACH GRAVES!!! THE LAST TIME THAT I SAW AND VISITED WITH HIM WAS IN 2003, WHEN I (LIKE HE, EARLIER) WAS INDUCTED INTO THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME IN NEW YORK. HE WAS HIS USUAL GRACIOUS AND ENJOYABLE SELF!!! MAY THE GOOD LORD GIVE COMFORT IN YOUR GRIEF - BUT HAPPINESS IN THE CELEBRATION OF AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE THAT BLESSED MANY, MANY OTHER LIVES!!!
April 15, 2015
Thanks Coach Graves for all you did for the Gatornation.
Jim Eckert
Susan Bartley Miller
April 15, 2015
The family of Ernest and Ruth Bartley sends their heartfelt prayers in celebration of Ray's life and important contributions to the Gator family! Opel, we have loved you both since your arrival in Gainesville Mom and Dad always spoke highly of you before their passing.
April 14, 2015
To the family of Ray Graves sorry for the loss of your loved one. May you rely on the God of comfort and all your beautiful memories to sustain you.
Les Hale, Jr.
April 14, 2015
I grew up in the university system and had the opportunity to meet many of the university greats from baseball players to football players, coaches, teachers and administrators, and coach Graves was one of the greats. Through him the foundation of what has become known as The Gator Nation began. He was a good friend of the family and I always enjoyed our conversations. My condolences to the family. RIP Coach Graves, you will be missed and never forgotten.
Kathy Jones
April 14, 2015
Dear Opal,
Was sooo sorry to hear of your loss. Have thought of you so many times and remember fondly our Sunday School Class. You were both VERY special people.
Wanda Hart
April 13, 2015
Rest in peace Coach Graves!! Gator Nation will always remember and miss you.
Roger Pettee
April 13, 2015
Rest in Peace Coach. You were a great coach and a great person who helped many people.My condolences.
The Carter Family
April 13, 2015
So sorry to hear about Coach Graves' death. May the Sovereign of the earth who truly cares for you become your refuge and your strength during this time of sadness. Cherish the good times!
Dorothea Travis
April 13, 2015
Sending love, prayers and peace to Mrs. Graves and family. Coach Graves was so very special to Larry and I and will forever be in our hearts. He will be cherished by "His Boys" and the Gator Nation always.
Clara & William Jackson
April 13, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Spencer Payne
April 13, 2015
To the family of Ray Graves: Thanks for loaning such a caring personality to us mortals. Warmest thoughts to you all.
May
April 13, 2015
With deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May it comfort you to know that Ray will return to the days of his youthful vigor as promised at Job 33:25.
David Payne
April 13, 2015
I entered UF as a freshman the year you arrived as our head coach. I saw what kind of person you were through my classmates who played football under your guidance. You were, and always will be, Gator Ray.
Owen Holyoak
April 13, 2015
Coach Ray Graves was a good friend and colleague at the University of Florida. We served on the Governor's Counsel for Physical Fitness and Sport. He will be miss.
April 13, 2015
Sorry for your loss. May the God of loyal love, comfort the family during your time of sorrow. Psalm 119:76
A. H.
April 13, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
April 13, 2015
May the God of all comfort and peace be with your fond memories.
Leslie Santana
April 13, 2015
To the Graves family I offer sincere condolences. May you look to the God for the strength and peace to cope now and in days to come.-Philippians 4:6-7
April 13, 2015
Opal, Graves Family,
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your dear husband. Our prayers are with you and the entire family. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.-RO.15:33
Frederic Eidsness
April 13, 2015
The Eidsness family had the privilege of knowing two of the coaching greats of the Florida Gators, Bob Woodruff our next door neighbor in N.W. 19th Street and the Ray Grave in Black Acres, as I recall. While we have lost them in our lives, their legacy will live on in the hearts of all their fans and friends. Freddy Eidsness (Jr.)
April 12, 2015
Whatever Ray did in his life, he left an impact by loving people and was passionate about his job. May God comfort the loving friends and family of Ray, and may his memory live in the God of all comfort.
Warm Christian love, sarah
Bill Peterson, Jr.
April 12, 2015
While Coach Graves and our dad were adversaries on the football field, they were close friends off. My folks loved both Coach and Mrs. Graves, and we are saddened to hear of his passing. He was a great man who gave so much to so many.
Your family is in our prayers. God bless you.
Jack westbrook
April 12, 2015
God bless the family in this time of grief. Thank you coach Graves for the guidance and head start you gave me
Jack Westbrook viterbo italy
Rodger and Dee Watson
April 11, 2015
With fond memories of the person that Coach Graves was, and what he stood for. With sympathy.
April 11, 2015
May God's love provide the basis for the family's spiritual healing.He has said that He would provide comfort to those seeking it..isa.51:12..........
David Bludworth
April 11, 2015
A great man and coach. Gave me the opportunity to be a graduate assistant coach which allowed me to graduate from law school. Coach Graves kept up with all Gator players and their families. God Bless Mrs Graves and Becky, Catherine, and Beth and their families.
April 11, 2015
What an illustrious career! Mr. Graves will be missed by so many! May the support and love of family & friends help you cope with your loss.
MARK P. PATTERSON
April 11, 2015
I did not personally know Coach Graves. Having played for General Neyland, 1939-41, as well as coached at Tennessee, HE IS A VOL FOR LIFE.
Mrs. Graves, I was very close to Coach Dodd at Georgia Tech in the 1950's as my grandfather, Mr. J. Mark Chamberlain, served as punter coach for Coach Dodd. Therefore, for all the above reasons, I feel as if I vicariously knew Coach Graves, your beloved husband. Thank the Lord Jesus for his life! He will be missed and remembered always by Vol and Coach Dodd fans like myself! Mark P. Patterson University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Classes of 1969-73 and 1974-75
April 11, 2015
May your household find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised. With my deepest condolences for your loss.
April 10, 2015
My condolences on loosing your loved one. May God give you peace of mind and comfort in these times of distress. God bless and sorry again for your loss.
Stacy
April 10, 2015
May the God of all comfort be with family and loved ones.
DS
April 10, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Scott Chamberland
April 10, 2015
Rest in Peace
Darrell Simmons
April 10, 2015
Condolences and prayers for the family. Coach Graves helped me get through school at the University of Florida in the 1960s, and I was fortunate enough to get to thank him the last time I saw him. He continued a program started by Bob Woodruff of part-time students in the sports information department, and Coach Graves was always available and treated me as a professional, not just a campus correspondent. He is a great positive factor in the history of Gator sports and education.
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