Daniel Graveline

GRAVELINE, Daniel

Dan "the Man" Graveline passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on December 18, 2024. His legacy, however, lives on.

A man who was every bit as gentle, kind and caring as he was successful – Dan's impact will be felt for generations to come. If you only know where to look, you'll see his spirit in the thriving downtown district of Atlanta – in the seats of packed entertainment venues, in the bustling corners of Centennial Olympic Park, and in the thousands of employees, visitors and exhibitors that pack the halls of his beloved Georgia World Congress Center.

Born on July 1, 1941, in Toronto, Canada, Daniel Anthony Graveline, Jr. grew up in the Tennessee Valley area. One of six kids, Dan learned lessons of humility and hard work early on. He paid his way though college working on ships in the Merchant Marines on the Great Lakes, becoming the youngest wheelsman by the age of 19.

He pursued a higher education at Southern Illinois University – working on ships in the summertime and taking winter classes when the lakes were frozen over. He also served as a drill sergeant in the Reserves while working toward his bachelor's in business and his master's in education.

After college, he began what would become a storied career in the hospitality industry, starting as an assistant director at the Indiana Convention Center before moving on to the LA Convention Center. His path ultimately led him to his home in Atlanta, where he was asked to serve as the first executive director of the future Georgia World Congress Center in July of 1976. Over the next 33 years, he grew a single building convention center into a sprawling campus including the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park, ushering in an era of growth and innovation that transformed Atlanta into a world-class destination for live events, conventions and entertainment. From serving as treasurer of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games and making Centennial Olympic Park a reality, to hosting everything from Super Bowls to political rallies and conventions spanning across industries, to serving as an original board member for the CHOA Foundation – the list of Dan's contributions goes on and on. He was known for his servant leadership – always putting others before himself – as well as his grace under pressure, managing multiple crises from severe tornado damage to the bombing during the 1996 Games.

Of all Dan's accomplishments and accolades, the greatest was his family. To many he was known as a visionary and a transformative leader, but to his family, he was the Christmas Day chef renowned for his signature biscuits and gravy. He was an avid storyteller, with one-liners that could pack an unexpected punch. He was never without a smile, and his biggest smiles were reserved for his house on Lake Lanier – he loved fishing, being out on the boat, and passing the day by the water.

The true loves of his life were his wife, Susan, with whom he shared 43 beautiful years, and his daughter, Alex, born in 1989. That kind of love can't be properly articulated in words. It's everlasting. It's the kind of love that doesn't end with death but carries on and lights our lives, even in the darkest of days.

Left to honor Dan's memory is his wife, Susan Highsmith; daughter, Alex Graveline Miller; son-in-law, Lee Miller; a future grandson due in March 2025; sister, Martha Gaut and husband, Charlie; niece, Emily; nephew, Michael; brother, Jon; brother, Thomas and nephew, TJ; brother, Matt and wife DeeDee; niece, Savannah Huddleston and husband, Nick; brother-in-law, Michael Highsmith; wife, Jill; niece, Lily; nephew, Jackson; sister-in-law, Julie Hulslander, nephew, Logan; and brother-in-law, Steve Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie and Daniel A. Graveline, Sr.; and his brother, Nelson.

In remembrance of Dan's life and legacy, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Mothers and Daughters Against Cancer Endowment for Music Therapy at CHOA and to Kate's Club.

The next time you're passing through downtown Atlanta, spare a thought for Dan Graveline. Or better yet, spare a thought for how you might extend a hand to lift someone else up, or share a friendly smile to brighten someone's day and make our great city that much greater. That's how Dan "the Man" would have wanted it.

Arrangements entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757.