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Robert Graetz Obituary
Montgomery - Rev. Robert S. Graetz, Jr., age 92, died peacefully on September 20, 2020, in his Montgomery home with his beloved wife, Jeannie by his side.
Born in Clarksburg, WV, on May 16, 1928 and raised in Charlestown, WV with his beloved sister, Suzanne.
He earned his B.A. degree at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio where he first met Jean Ellis and married her in 1951. He was ordained in 1955.
He served at Community Lutheran Church in L.A., CA, Trinity in Montgomery, AL, Saint Phillips in Columbus, Ohio, Saint James in Wash., D.C., Christ the King in Columbus, Ohio, and Saint John in Logan, Ohio. He was a legislative agent for the Ohio Council of Churches for 13 years. He worked for the Conference of Inner City Ministries with the Department of Metropolitan Ministries in Wash., D.C. In 2005, they returned to Montgomery, AL. where they served as consultants for the National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African America Culture at A.S.U.
He was the author of "A White Preacher's Memoir: The Montgomery Bus Boycott" and "A White Preacher's Message on Race and Reconciliation".
Robert leaves behind his beloved wife and soulmate, Jeannie; his sister, Suzanne Deutschmann of Nashville, TN; six children: Meta Ellis (Emma) of Montgomery, AL; Diann Graetz of Yucca Valley, CA; David Graetz (Gale) of Campbellsburg, KY; Kathryn Graetz of Colombes, France; Jonathan Graetz (Pam) of Dayton, Ohio; Carolyn Glass (Michael) of Pittsburgh, PA; 26 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert S.Graetz, Sr. and Maxine and his beloved son, Robert S. Graetz, III (Ray).
His memorial service will be live-streamed @ https://youtu.be/by5qA5AA0g on September 27th at 2 PM from the First Baptist Brick-A-Day Church. Due to COVID-19 precautions, only participants will be in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Graetz Foundation at 1558 Dunbar St., Montgomery, AL 36106 or the Alabama State University Foundation's fund for the National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African- American Culture @ www.alasu.edu/giving or mailed to P.O. Box 1046, Montgomery, AL. 36101.
The Graetz family wishes to extend our deepest appreciation for all of his loving care and for the outpouring of love.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Graetz
Sponsored by Ross-Clayton Funeral Home - Montgomery.
6 Entries
Charlie E. Hardy
September 26, 2020
It is most befitting to accord the title “Servant Leader” to Pastor Graetz. My connection with the Graetz family began when I was a teenager growing up in Montgomery. When the Bus Protest Movement began in 1955 Pastor Graetz was at the center of the storm alongside Dr. King, Dr. Abernathy, Mrs. Rosa Parks, Mrs. Johnnie Carr, Dr. Benjamin J. Simms, Mr. Rufus Lewis, Mrs. Joann Robinson, and Dr. Moses Jones as the original brain trust of this historic Life Changing Movement in America. Pastor Graetz refused to bow to threats and intimidation. Yes, he was the lone White Minister to take a stand for “Justice and Equality” Long Live His Legacy.
Stoutermire family
September 25, 2020
A true champion for Justice, thank you sir for the courage to effect change , Rest In Peace !
Reggenia Baskin
September 23, 2020
I will be forever grateful for the "light" Pastor Graetz was in my life.I love LARGER because of him.
Reggenia W.Baskin
What Love!!!!!=œ
Reggenia Baskin
September 23, 2020
I thank God that He allowed my life to mesh with the lives of Pastor Robert and Jeanie Graetz. What love Pastor Graetz extended to me...what lessons in love he taught me. May God comfort Jeanie and the entire family in this time of sorrow. RIP Hero and Civil Rights icon.
Reggenia W.Baskin
Edna Dudley
September 22, 2020
Words can never express the deep appreciation and respect I have of a man who has devoted his life to caring for others and being a wonderful servant of God. I also appreciate the sacrifices of his family. May God comfort you at this time
Tandra R. Jones
September 22, 2020
You have left quite an indelible mark upon the channels of history. Thank you for being an earthly expression of God's spirit of love & justice. You fought for us. You lived amongst us. You loved so well. Your name; EPIC.
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