Ray GRAVES

GRAVES, Ray

96, of Clearwater, passed away April 10, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Opal Richardson Graves; his sister, Virginia Hamilton of Shrewsbury, MA; three daughters, Rebecca Shaw of St. Petersburg, Katherine Springfield and her husband, Thaxton, of Belleair, and Beth Davis and her husband, George, of Clearwater; grandchildren are Katherine (Darien) Goodloe, Ansley (Justin) Bartlett, Sarah Davis, Ty (Tom) Osborne, Justin (Joy) Davis. Great-grandchildren are Caleb and Quincey Goodloe, Will and Benjamin Bartlett, Anna and Jack Osborne, and Jonah and Juliet Davis. Ray is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Graves was born in Dayton, TN, the son of Rev. and Mrs. Walter Howard Graves. He was educated in public schools and attended Tennessee Wesleyan College and graduated from the University of Tennessee where he was Captain of the 1941 football team. After graduation he played professional football with the Philadelphia Eagles for three years, was an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee for two years and coached under Bobby Dodd at Georgia Tech for thirteen years where he became Assistant Head Coach.

In 1960 he came to the University of Florida as Head Football coach and Athletic Director. He remained in the dual positions for ten years. After resigning as football coach in 1970, he remained as Athletic Director until 1979. As a coach he left many contributions to the University and the game of football, in general. He is credited with perfecting the shifting defense and is recognized as the originator of the defense that is now known as the free safety and strong safety defensive alignment. He is often referred to as a "Gentleman Coach." He loved winning, but he loved as much the life-long relationships he has maintained with "his players." They remain a tight group and have coined themselves the "Silver Sixties." They have a yearly reunion, and it has been one of "Coach's" greatest pleasures to be a part of that family.

After retiring from the University of Florida in 1980 as Athletic Director emeritus he and Opal moved to Tampa where he joined the George Steinbrenner III Enterprises. He was Vice President of Public Relation for seven years and helped to establish the Gold Shield Foundation of Tampa.

He had the opportunity and the willingness to touch many lives in a positive way, and he was always up to the task. Many people were the recipient of his kind and unselfish gestures. The Bull Gator, Rockin' Ray, "Coach,"-those were some of his labels-whatever the label-he will be missed by family, friends, his players and acquaintances.

A private burial was held at the Irish Cemetery in Tazewell, TN. A memorial service will be held April 27 at 3 pm at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church in Tampa. A memorial service will also be held in Gainesville, FL at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field in the north end zone-Holloway Touchdown Terrace Sunday, June 7, at 1:30 pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers those who wish may make a contribution payable to the "Silver Sixties" Ray Graves Endowment, Gator Boosters, P.O. Box 13796, Gainesville, FL 32604 or the Ray and Opal Graves Scholarship fund which is for the education of students who are dedicating their lives to Christian Ministry. These may be sent to the Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church 2902 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa, FL 33618.

Our family wants to recognize and thank both The Oaks of Clearwater and the Pearl Team of Suncoast Hospice for their compassion, their expertise and their care for our father.

Please visit www.sylvanabbey.com for service details, photos and to send condolences.