Alphard Coy Graben

Alphard Coy Graben, age 84, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026. Born on October 2, 1941, Coy lived a life defined by hard work, dedication, adventure, and deep devotion to his family and community.

Coy was the son of the late Grady Graben and Effie (McCoy) Graben, who were sharecroppers in Horton, Alabama. He graduated from Albertville High School in 1959, and later attended Snead State Community College, taking courses in real estate, banking, and insurance. From an early age, he learned the value of perseverance and determination. His strong work ethic led him to pursue many opportunities, including working as a butcher, a feed-mill employee, a tire building position at Goodyear, and eventually to a successful real estate career.

At the heart of everything Coy did was his family. He is survived and was happily married for 65 years to his beloved wife, Charlotte (Oliver) Graben. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and strong family values. He is survived by his two sons, Alan Graben (Tina) and Craig Graben; his sister, Lela Galloway; four cherished grandchildren, Hannah Johnson (Rick), Laura Day (Ben), Preston Graben (Sharon), and Ansley Cremonesi (Dylan); and one adored great-grandchild, Charlotte Johnson. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Coy was preceded in death by his brother, Hoyt Graben (Nell.)

Beginning a lifelong career in real estate in 1974, Coy earned credentials from both the American Real Estate Institute and the Realtors Institute. He established Graben Real Estate, which eventually grew into Coldwell Banker–Graben Real Estate in Albertville. Through vision and leadership, Coy expanded the business into three locations with multiple agents, leaving a lasting mark on the local real estate community.

His professional achievements were matched by his service to his community. Coy served as Vice President and President of the Marshall County Board of Realtors, was a member of the Alabama Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors, and served on the Board of Directors for Central Bank of the South in Albertville. He was also deeply involved in civic leadership, serving on the Board of Directors and as President for the Albertville Chamber of Commerce. Coy also served as a member of the Albertville Rotary Club for more than a decade and as President of the Back Country Horseman. A man of faith, Coy was a proud and active member of First Baptist Church of Albertville.

Coy embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. Known for his adventurous spirit, he enjoyed traveling and a wide range of hobbies, including skydiving, horseback riding, snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, and rollerblading.

Coy Graben will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, respected businessman, and faithful servant to his community. His legacy of hard work, integrity, and joy for life will continue through the many lives he touched.

We invite anyone who would like to celebrate Coy's life to join the family at a graveside service on Saturday, April 4th at 11:00 AM at the Mount Vernon Baptist Church.

The family kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church of Albertville Building Fund.